NMEC tackles out-of-school children with new digital data tools, targeting 500,000 learners nationwide through non-formal education and vocational training
NMEC tackles out-of-school children across Nigeria through a major digital transformation initiative aimed at identifying and enrolling over 500,000 learners in non-formal education programmes.
Also read: Etsako Club 81 Convention Champions Education, Empowerment
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) on Tuesday kicked off a two-day training for enumerators in Abuja, equipping them with automated data collection tools to identify youths aged 15 and above who dropped out or never had access to formal education.
Speaking during the training, Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr John Onimisi, said the move was a critical part of the commission’s renewed focus on literacy and vocational empowerment.
“Our target is to ensure that these learners are enrolled in non-formal learning centres and can complete the programme successfully. Some may also transition to vocational programmes,” he stated.
The project covers all 774 local government areas, and 376 enumerators have already been engaged across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
In Abuja alone, 250 facilitators will implement the exercise.
The initiative is powered by a digital dashboard linked to the National Identity Management System to enable real-time monitoring and learner tracking.
“This is the first time since the 2010 National Literacy Survey that NMEC is embarking on such a large-scale data collection effort,” Onimisi said, noting that funding limitations had delayed the initiative for years.
The first cycle of the literacy programme will run for six to nine months, depending on contact hours, with further phases to follow.
Director of Programmes at NMEC, Mr Samuel Aziba, highlighted that enumerators were being trained on the use of digital devices to collect data efficiently.
He noted that pilot testing would begin in four locations within the Federal Capital Territory before full nationwide deployment.
This bold step underscores the federal government’s renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s growing literacy challenges, with over 30 million non-literate adults recorded as of 2021.
Also read: Kebbi Education Investment Delivers ₦2.7bn Boost to Public Schools, Governor Idris Flags Off Distribution
NMEC expressed appreciation to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for their backing of this crucial intervention, which aims to create a more inclusive and empowered society.
