As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2018 International Literacy Day, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwuka, has stressed the need for literacy to be taught, especially at foundation level.
Anwuka who said this on Friday in Abuja, at the Observance of the 2018 International Literacy Day, emphasized that literacy is critical to the development and enhancement of skills.
You would recall that the United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), in 1965, proclaimed September 8th, of every year, as International Literacy Day(ILD). However, Nigeria is marking the 2018 edition today, as 8th falls on a weekend.
The Minister of State, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Arch. Sonny Echono, said there is still a huge challenge in the number of people who can read and write.
According to him, “Studies have shown that the children of literate parents tend to do well. The challenge of literacy must be addressed and the opportunity provided for all segment of the society to achieve their objectives, desires as well as their aspirations in life through education.
“It is a challenge for all of us in the education space to ensure that we do all within our power and in the very shortest possible time, we will not only be reminding ourselves of the challenges, but actually celebrating our achievements in literacy”.
He further clarified that literacy is not only ones ability to read and write in English,adding that any one who can read as well as write in any of the local Nigerian Languages, is considered to be literate.
Anwuka pointed out that, this year’s theme which is “Literacy and Skills Development”, is very apt to the concern in the Ministry, as it relates to the theme chosen at the end of the 63rd National Council on Education(NCE) which is”Education for Self Reliance:A tool for the achievement of the Education 2030 Agenda”.
While stating that a literate society is free from corruption, crimes, insecurity, serious health challenges and will have solutions to all forms of vices, he implored all and sundry to work with the Ministry, to ensure that all Nigerian children, youths and even adults are literate and skilled to build a greater nation.
In his remarks, the Director General, UNESCO. Audrey Azoulay remarked that literacy is the first step towards freedom, liberation from social and economic constraints and the prerequisite for development both individualand collective, adding that it reduces poverty, inequality and creates wealth and helps to eradicate problems of nutrition and public health.
Represented by the Secretary-General, Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO,Kehinde Ayotunde, the DG explained that today, worldwide, more than 260 million children and adolescents are not enrolled in school.
“Six out of ten children and adolescents-around 617 million- do not acquire the minimum skills in literacy and numeracy. 750 million young people and adults still cannot read and write-and among them, two-thirds are women”.
He further stressed that UNESCO is actively engaged in the redefinition of literacy policies and encourages innovative educational practices, adding that it also supports various forms of public and private sector cooperation.
Azoulay called on stakeholders in the world of education and beyond, to mobilize so that the ideal of a fully literate global society becomes more of a reality.
It was also revealed, that Nigeria through the Nigeria Prison Servicesm will be receiving the 2018, International Literacy Day Award, (a prestigious prize recognizing excellence and innovation) in Paris.
The day is marked world over by Governmnets, Non-governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Local Communities and other stakeholders.
