Over 60 Million Nigerian Adults Lack Basic Literacy Skills — NMEC Boss
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Musa Garba-Maitafsir, has revealed that more than 60 million adults in Nigeria lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. He made the disclosure on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Nigeria National Council for Adult Education (NNCAE) Annual National Conference held at the Convocation Arena of Bayero University, Kano. The conference, which runs from October 6 to 10, has as its theme, “The Future of Adult Learning in Nigeria: Leveraging the 5th Industrial Revolution for Inclusive, Equitable, and Sustainable Development.”
Mr. Garba-Maitafsir described the staggering number as “a call to action,” stressing that adult education must be recognized as a strategic necessity rather than a remedial measure. He noted that adult learning programs provide critical second chances for millions across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, including rural and hard-to-reach communities. “Adult education opens doors to dignity, economic inclusion, and lifelong learning,” he said, lamenting that the sector continues to suffer from inadequate funding and lack of proper recognition.
Highlighting the impact of technology and rapid social change, the NMEC boss emphasized the need to reposition adult education within the framework of the 5th Industrial Revolution and align it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates inclusive and quality education for all. He stated that basic literacy and numeracy skills remain essential tools for personal empowerment, national development, and active citizenship. “We live in extraordinary times, marked by challenges like hunger, poverty, and insecurity, yet within these challenges lie opportunities to uplift millions of adults,” he said.
Mr. Garba-Maitafsir commended members of the NNCAE for their steadfast advocacy and contributions to the growth of adult and non-formal education in Nigeria. He urged them to sustain their commitment, creativity, and collaboration with the Commission to reach more adults and youths in need of literacy interventions. “Together, we can forge a future where no adult is left behind and where education becomes a lifelong journey accessible to all,” he added, expressing optimism that the conference would generate practical ideas to strengthen the nation’s literacy agenda.