OBJ Advocates Policy Reform to Boost Non-Formal Education

By Olusegun Folarin 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has canvassed renewed commitment to the task of promoting literacy in Nigeria as the global community celebrates International Literacy Day.

Chief Obasanjo stated this in Abeokuta at a stakeholders Engagement meeting on strengthening Non Formal Education in the country, convened by the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services, NOGALSS as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day.

Former President Obasanjo who was invested as the Grand Patron of the organization during the event expressed his readiness to support policy reforms to enhance non-formal education as part of the country’s educational framework.

In a remark, the Minister of State for Education Mr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, represented by the Deputy Director of NGOs at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Morenikeji Akinrinola, said the government was focusing on promoting multilingualism as a means of fostering peaceful coexistence. 

The Minister emphasized that multilingual education would enhance academic performance and foster confidence and a sense of identity among young learners, noting that mother-tongue instruction would be accorded priority at the foundational level while encouraging proficiency in other local and international languages.

In separate submissions, the Chairman of Royal Fathers Council of Elders for a Literate Nigeria and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diette-Spiff as well as a member of the council and Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Association’s National Patron, Chief Johnson Olu Fatoki called for collective efforts to mobilize the needed resources for Mass Literacy activities across the country.

Earlier, a former governor of Zamfara State and member of the Association’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mahmoud Shinkafi had advocated an increased advocacy campaign to incorporate adult and non-formal education as integral parts of Nigeria’s education policy framework 

Similarly, the National President of NOGALSS, Comrade Noah Emmanuel expressed the confidence that the investiture of former President Obasanjo as Grand Patron alongside other notable individuals would enhance contributions to the education sector, particularly in the area of mass literacy.

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