Information Communication Technology, ICT, has been identified as a veritable tool in curbing the level of illiteracy in Nigeria.
The National Commission For Mass literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, NMEC, said ICT occupies significant position in the provision of mass literacy and lifelong learning.
The commission’s Executive Secretary, Abba Haladu, said in Abuja that using ICT would improve learning and thereby reduce illiteracy.
Currently, Nigeria has about 63 million persons who cannot read and write and the number contributes 6 per cent the world population of non literate persons.
“Indeed ICT had been used in the era of education,” Haladu, a professor said.
“Perhaps is an emphasis that we have to continue to leverage on the importance of ICT in the provision of mass literacy and lifelong learning amongst our population.
“So it has been in use and the theme of this year’s literacy celebration is literacy in a digital world is just pushing us to do more and ensure we use the ICT for inclusive education amongst all categories of population in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on some of the commission’s achievements in reducing illiteracy in the country, the executive secretary said the commission embarked on educational projects across the country.
“What the commission has been doing in recent times; the commission has built a number of community learning centres in some of the states.
“The commission has rolled out a programme for rural facilitators scheme; whereby close to 800 basic literacy classes have been opened in all the states at least 21 in each of the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The commission pays for the facilitators allowances; the commission also provides the learning materials.
“The commission has also produced key policy documents including the policy guidelines for mass literacy, adult and non -formal education.
“The commission has also developed communication strategy for the purpose of sensitization, mobilization and enlightenment.’’
“The commission has also provided capacity building for staff of the commission and some staff of the agencies for mass education and other achievements we have recorded in recent times,’’ the executive secretary said.
NAN
