Nigerian government launches new program to address out-of-school children, adults

The Federal Government has launched a new initiative to address the problem of out-of-school children, youth and adults across the country.

This new initiative, labeled the National Policy on Alternative Learning Pathways, aims to expand access to education.

The new initiative was announced in Abuja by the Director of Literacy and Development, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, NMEC, Dr John Edeh.

Edeh, who also oversees the commission, said the policy, recently announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, was designed to close long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s non-formal education system.

He explained that the policy focuses on mainstreaming learners, improving the certification process and creating flexible pathways that allow beneficiaries to transition easily to higher education or vocational opportunities.

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According to him, this policy shortens the duration of learning, making it possible for individuals who do not attend formal school to complete the equivalent of education in three to four years compared to having to spend more than a decade in conventional schools.

He described the initiative as a major reform capable of significantly reducing the large out-of-school youth population and also addressing unemployment, insecurity, banditry and other social challenges associated with illiteracy.

“This policy only addresses several main areas of mainstreaming, namely regarding certification, how students can easily migrate or be mainstreamed to another level.

“The overall vision is to address the significant number of out-of-school youth and children.

“This will also ensure that the people are not only provided with education, but also empower them to reduce unemployment, insecurity, banditry and all forms of crime in the country.

“The policy is already in effect and stakeholders in the literacy and non-formal education sectors must ensure strict compliance with its provisions,” he said.