The Federal Government has begun a nationwide data-mapping exercise to identify out-of-school children, non-literate youth and adults, in a bid to expand literacy access and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6 by 2030.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era.”
She explained that the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) is handling the mapping of non-literate youth and adults, while the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children (NCAOOSC) is tracking children out of school across all states.
“Right now, across the country, we are conducting a comprehensive mapping exercise to identify those who are out of school or non-literate. With this data, we will enrol millions into literacy programmes that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering,” Ahmad said.
According to the Minister, literacy remains the foundation of development, and under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, access must be widened to cover citizens aged 15 and above.
She stressed that the Ministry had embraced digital learning platforms, radio and television lessons to reach learners in cities, villages, Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps and remote communities.
Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr John Edeh Onimisi, announced that over 27,000 youth and adult learners have already been enrolled in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), surpassing the initial target of 3,876.
He added that the initiative will soon expand to 377 Local Government Areas across all states, leveraging 17 community learning centres and digital tools.
Acting Head of Education at UNESCO, Oladeji Adeyemi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in creating an education system that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.