National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and NonFormal Education
Act · Education
An Act that establishes a national commission for mass literacy and adult education programmes. It targets adults, out-of-school youths, and women in underserved areas. The act aims to reduce illiteracy rates and empower marginalised communities.
What Is This Policy?
Proposes the establishment or re-establishment of a National Commission dedicated to eradicating illiteracy among Nigerian adults and out-of-school youths through mass literacy campaigns, adult education programmes, and non-formal education initiatives.
Who Does It Target?
Adult Nigerians who cannot read, write, or perform basic numeracy Out-of-school youths who missed formal education opportunities Women and girls in underserved communities with low literacy rates
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Reduce Nigeria's adult illiteracy rate, estimated at over 30% of the adult population Provide alternative education pathways for adults and out-of-school youth Empower marginalised Nigerians – especially women and rural dwellers – through basic literacy and life skills
Key Features
Mass Literacy Campaigns: Community-based programmes delivering basic reading, writing, and numeracy to illiterate adults Adult Education Centres: Network of adult learning centres nationwide providing structured non-formal education Vocational Integration: Combination of literacy with practical vocational and livelihood skills Women's Literacy: Targeted programmes for women and girls, who face disproportionately high illiteracy rates
Current Status
In force. The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) is operational and coordinates adult and non-formal education programmes across Nigeria's 36 states.
Eligible adults and youths can enrol at adult education centres in their community through local government education authorities Open to all adults regardless of age, gender, or prior education level No fees charged for basic literacy programmes Registration at nearest adult education centre or LGA education office Application method: Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) offices | Federal Ministry of Education – education.gov.ng
Impact & Metrics
Raising Nigeria's adult literacy rate by even 10% could unlock hundreds of billions of naira in economic productivity, particularly for women in the informal economy.
Official Resources
Website: education.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Education | Universal Basic Education Commission – ubec.gov.ng This policy summary is for informational purposes. For official and legal details, refer to the cited Act or Bill and official government sources.
Legal Framework
To be enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Will operate alongside the Universal Basic Education Act 2004, the National Policy on Education, the UNESCO Literacy for Life Programme framework, and the Sustainable Development Goal 4 targets on adult literacy.