Worried about the alarming level of illiteracy in the country, the Federal government yesterday released the sum of N96.5 million to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support the 'Literacy by Radio Programme' of the National Commission for Mass Education (NMEC).
The funds which were released under the Millennium Development Goals funds will see each of the states and the Federal Capital Territory collecting N2.6 million.
Aisha Dukku, Minister of State of Education who made this public in Abuja during a press briefing noted that illiteracy is a major challenge that slowsdown development and growth. She added :This touches on health, poverty level, child mortality, technological advancement and our hope of becoming one of the 20 largest economics by the year 2020" she said.
While noting that the task of eradicating illiteracy is an enormous one that requires the commitment of all stakeholders, the minister observed that over 46 million of the population of the country ware illiterate and that 60 percent of these are women. As such, she said, there is an urgent need to tackle the menace.
Dukku, explained that the choice of 'Literacy by Radio' was borne out of the success recorded by other nations who have employed it "it gets to rural areas faster as almost everyone can easily afford a radio or even share one. The nomads are also learning while caring for our cows in the remote areas in the bushes" she said. According to her, "Literacy is the widest open gate to reduction of poverty and all types of atrocities, prostitution, violence, environment hazards, and until we eradicate illiteracy amongst us, the enrollment of our children in schools will be a mirage"
The minister therefore warned the state agencies of mass education and adult and non-formal education to ensure that the funds be used strictly as proposed while also appealing to governors to ensure that their radio stations continue to air 'Literacy by Radio' adding that this will reduce illiteracy and enhance peaceful coexistence.
She further explained that "Basic Education is the responsibility of the state, the federal government can only support and this is a support. If the states will complement the federal government' efforts, I'm sure that the level of illiteracy will be on its way down" Speaking at the event Paschal Bafyau, Chairman, Governing Board NMEC applauded the federal government for its kind gesture while calling on states governors to also make substantial financial commitment, nothing that this is the only to eradicate illiteracy
Source: FG releases N96.5 million to support Mass Literacy programme (http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php/news/9229-fg-releases-n965-million-to-support-mass-literacy-programme-)