FG to enroll 500,000 out-of-school children – Daily Trust

The Federal Government has kicked off a brand new initiative geared toward decreasing the variety of out-of-school children and tackling literacy challenges throughout the nation.

Through the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), the federal government on Tuesday in Abuja started a two-day coaching for enumerators on using automated knowledge assortment instruments.

Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr. John Onimisi, who’s the coordinator Needs Assessment Team, defined that the programme is concentrating on the enrollment of over 500,000 learners in its first part.

He mentioned the train would seize knowledge on youths aged 15 and above who both dropped out of college or by no means had the chance to proceed formal training.

According to him, the programme is not going to solely deal with literacy but in addition vocational coaching, enabling learners to transition into talent acquisition programmes after finishing the non-formal studying cycle.

“Our goal is to ensure that these learners are enrolled into non-formal education centres and supported to complete the programme successfully. Some will also move into vocational training afterwards,” Onimisi mentioned.

He disclosed that the scheme would lower throughout the 774 native authorities areas within the nation, with 376 enumerators drawn from the 36 states and the FCT already skilled, whereas 250 facilitators would drive the train in Abuja.

To guarantee transparency, Onimisi famous that knowledge monitoring could be finished in real-time by means of a dashboard linked to the National Identity Management System (NIMS), permitting for correct monitoring and follow-up of learners.

“This is the first large-scale literacy data exercise by NMEC since the 2010 National Literacy Survey, and the delay has been due to funding limitations. The current intervention signals the government’s renewed commitment to bridging literacy gaps,” he mentioned.

The first literacy cycle of the programme is anticipated to final between six to 9 months relying on contact hours.

Onimisi counseled the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for supporting the intervention.

Also talking, NMEC’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Samuel Aziba, mentioned the coaching would equip enumerators with digital instruments for knowledge assortment, including {that a} pilot part will start in 4 FCT areas earlier than the nationwide rollout.

NMEC estimates that Nigeria had greater than 30 million non-literate adults as of 2021, underscoring the urgency of the federal government’s intervention.