FG Targets 500,000 Out-of-School Children and 1 Million Girls in Literacy Drive
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FG Targets 500,000 Out-of-School Children and 1 Million Girls in Literacy Drive |
The Federal Government launches literacy and empowerment programmes to enroll 500,000 out-of-school children and empower 1 million girls in Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled two groundbreaking initiatives to tackle the country’s alarming education crisis. With over 18 million out-of-school children — the highest in the world, according to UNICEF — the new literacy drive aims to enroll 500,000 learners and empower 1 million underserved girls with education and skills by 2030.
Nationwide Literacy Intervention for Out-of-School Children
At the headquarters of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) in Abuja, the acting Executive Secretary, Dr. John Onimisi, announced that the literacy programme had officially commenced.
The plan includes:
- Training 376 enumerators across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to identify and register out-of-school children
- Capturing real-time data through automated tools linked to the National Identity Management System (NIMC)
- Providing literacy and vocational training across the 774 local government areas
According to Onimisi, the programme’s first phase will re-enroll 500,000 learners into non-formal education centers. Graduates of the literacy programme will have opportunities to transition into vocational training to secure employable skills.
The LUMINAH 2030 Initiative: Educating 1 Million Girls
In a related development, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has taken over the LUMINAH 2030 Initiative from the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure sustainability and wider reach.
Launched in 2025 with World Bank support, the initiative is focused on providing both education and economic empowerment for underserved girls across Nigeria.
Key features of LUMINAH 2030 include:
- Establishing safe learning centers in at least 12 states, including Yobe, Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom
- Providing financial support for caregivers to encourage school attendance
- Integrating skills training and community engagement to address the root causes of girl-child illiteracy
- Offering a 10-year roadmap for continuous support and empowerment through UBEC
Speaking at the event, UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, stressed that “Lumina illuminates the path to education and empowerment. It integrates schooling, skills training, caregiver support, and community engagement.”
Why These Interventions Are Critical
Nigeria faces a deepening education crisis:
- 18.5 million children are currently out of school (UNICEF data)
- The North-East and North-West have the highest dropout rates due to insecurity and poverty
- Girls remain disproportionately affected, with cultural and economic barriers limiting access to education
By combining literacy, vocational skills, and caregiver empowerment, the FG’s programmes aim to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.
For more insights on Nigeria’s education sector, visit Androidpols Education Updates, where we cover the latest policies, reforms, and school-related news.
Stakeholders’ Reactions and Support
Development partners and NGOs, including the Neem Foundation, welcomed the initiatives as transformative steps in tackling Nigeria’s education crisis. Stakeholders praised the government for adopting data-driven approaches and collaborating with international agencies to scale impact.
This literacy drive also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. For global education frameworks and progress tracking, check the UNESCO Education Portal.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Government’s dual focus on out-of-school children and underserved girls represents a bold step toward closing Nigeria’s literacy gap. With 500,000 learners targeted in the first phase and a long-term vision to empower one million girls, the programmes have the potential to reshape Nigeria’s educational future.
As implementation begins nationwide, stakeholders must continue to monitor, support, and sustain these interventions to ensure every Nigerian child — especially girls — has access to quality education.
