NMEC seeks stronger collaboration with states to tackle illiteracy
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has called for stronger collaboration between federal and state education agencies to tackle illiteracy in the country. The agency
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has called for stronger collaboration between federal and state education agencies to tackle illiteracy in the country.
The agency noted that the adoption of locally generated data would serve as a key measure to tackle illiteracy and improve Nigeria’s non-formal education sector.
The Executive Secretary of NMEC, Prof. Musa Maitafsir, made the call during a one-day stakeholder engagement in Abuja with Directors of State Agencies for Mass Education (SAMEs).
The theme was: “Enhancing Strategic Collaboration between SAMEs and NMEC for the Eradication of Illiteracy, Advancement of Vocational and Skills-Acquisition Education, and Improved Data Credibility in the Non-Formal Education Sub-sector.”
He described NMEC as the coordinating “mother agency” for literacy programmes nationwide, but lamented that weak synergy with state structures continues to limit impact.
The NMEC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting states in expanding access to literacy education, particularly for out-of-school youths and adults, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to reduce illiteracy nationwide.
He said, “The success of NMEC depends largely on what states are able to achieve. If state agencies are not adequately motivated or supported, the headquarters will have little result to present.
“The success of NMEC is totally dependent on what the state can do. If the states have not been motivated to work, there is no way the headquarters will have the result to be shown to the world.”
According to him, the engagement was convened to bridge existing gaps, clarify institutional roles and foster stronger cooperation needed to meet national literacy targets.
Maitafsir stressed that adult education remains critical to national development, noting its ripple effects across generations.
He explained that literate parents are more likely to prioritise the education of their children and grandchildren, thereby strengthening the country’s human capital base.
The NMEC boss also acknowledged that prevailing economic challenges have affected participation in literacy programmes, adding that NMEC is exploring flexible and community-driven approaches to improve enrolment and retention.
“We must understand the needs of different societies. In some areas, simple support structures can motivate learners and sustain participation in literacy programmes,” he said.
On data management, the NMEC boss emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritise credible, homegrown data rather than relying heavily on reports from international organisations such as the World Bank and UNESCO.
He expressed concern that externally sourced statistics often portray the country in a negative light and may not fully reflect realities within Nigeria’s education system.
Maitafsir maintained that local institutions possess the expertise and contextual understanding required to generate more accurate and balanced data, advocating greater reliance on national bodies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
He revealed that NMEC is set to begin independent data generation to support evidence-based planning and decision-making in the sector.
According to him, the initiative would help reduce dependence on foreign data sources while enabling the commission to track progress, identify gaps and design targeted interventions.
He noted that state agencies would play a central role in the data generation process due to their proximity to grassroots realities and direct oversight of implementation.
However, he cautioned against data falsification, stressing that integrity must guide the process.
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He warned that inaccurate data could undermine policy decisions, distort resource allocation, and ultimately slow progress in the education sector.
Maitafsir also urged states to properly document and report literacy activities within their jurisdictions to improve national data accuracy and performance assessment.
He added that partnerships with states implementing free education and school feeding programmes could further attract adult learners into non-formal education initiatives.
In their separate presentations, the Acting Director of the Network Department, Dr. Babajide Williams, and the Director of the Literacy Department, Dr. John Edeh, emphasised the importance of professionalism and consistency in data collection.
They called for the adoption of modern data management tools and capacity building across all levels, noting that reliable data remains the backbone of effective policy formulation and implementation.
