By Okon Bassey in Uyo
Akwa Ibom State has established over 888 adult education centres in the 31 local government councils of the state with more than 30,000 learners enrolled.
The establishment of the learning centres across the state was government’s efforts at ensuring that the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG) aimed at eradicating mediocrity and illiteracy by 2030 is achieved,
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Victor Inoka stated this during the south-south zonal meeting of Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) held in Uyo recently. The meeting was attended by representatives of all the six states in the zone.
According to him, “the adult education programme in Akwa Ibom State is progressing in a very interesting rate due to the activities of our education-friendly Governor, Udom Emmanuel.”
However, he said more still have to be done to sustain the status quo, aside from different intervention programmes that have made the adult literacy programme attractive in the state.
Inoka commended the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) for its various interventions in the area of payment of facilitators and establishment of befitting centres in the state.
He also thanked other literacy support organisations like Nigerian Girl Guides, Rotary Club of Uyo, Shelter Afrique and FOSMACIN for the donation of books and learning materials.
He said the state still needs support especially in the areas of vocational and skills acquisition equipment from donor agencies like UNIDO, UNESCO, UNDP, NOGLASS and assistance in the payment of facilitators.
The state Chairman of NOGALSS, Mr. Michael Okon observed that the free and compulsory education policy of the state is a boost to the adult and non-formal education sector.
He said the conducive environment was as a result of the cordial relationship between the association and other educational support agencies in the state as they operate at their pace without fear of competition.
“The various non-governmental organisations in the state that engage in various literacy programmes for adult, drop out of school youths, women and vocational training have directly been impacted with donation of educational materials, tables and chairs.
“I deeply appreciate the management of the Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education that has given Akwa Ibom NOGALSS an office space with secretary. It has been great working with these educationists. We pledge to do more for the total eradication of illiteracy by 2030,” Okon said.
