As part of efforts to boost learning and reading culture, a Non-Governmental Association For Literacy Support Services (NOGLASS) has unveiled the literacy village Project in Abuja.
Speaking at the maiden Educational Annual Awards of Excellence and Induction into the Hall of Fame in Abuja on Wednesday, NOGLASS President, Noah Emmanuel, said this center would encourage learning.
The event has the theme: Revolution Mass Literacy Delivery in Nigeria: A strategic focus for National Development.
The unveiling also witnessed the investiture of the grand patron, Board of Trustees Chairman, National Matron/Patron and also the Educational Merit Award of Excellence.
Emmanuel said available statistics showed that 18 million Nigerians children were out-of-school.
He stated that the activities in the literacy village would not only promote the acquisition of literacy skills but would also encourage lifelong learning.
“Available statistics have it that over 18 million of Nigerians of our children and youths are out of school, you will also agree with me that this is alarming. This has contributed to our choice if theme to this event.
“The literacy village will be a true embodiment for encouraging the reading culture, practice, and documentation of indigenous knowledge, technologies, and trades. Indigenous languages will be as well being developed.
“The NOGALSS literacy village and its affiliate communities will be empowered to pursue sustainable development.
“As a Non-Governmental Association, our efforts to compliment government’s initiatives in the development and enhancement of non-formal education are entire and unequalled,” he said.
He, however, commended the Federal Ministry of Education, National Mass Education Commission (NMEC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), UNESCO, and other UN Agencies, for their support in making the country a literate one.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult Education and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Prof. Simon Akpama, called in the need to promote collaboration at reducing illiteracy in the country.
“We are aware that illiteracy education is the main mandate of NMEC and that NOGALSS is doing this.
” It is an inspiration and also an encouragement and that will also strengthen our commitment with NOGALSS as to make sure that we drastically reduce illiteracy in Nigeria for national development,” he said.
Some of the awardees commended the gesture while saying that contributing to the development of the educational sector was a collective responsibility.
The former governor of Zamfara State, Mahmud Shinkafi said he earned the award as a result of the contribution in releasing 26 per cent of the budget to education which was far above UNESCO recommendation.
“I was given this award because of the contribution of the Zamfara State government to the development of education when I was the governor.
“We gave 26 per cent of our budget to education that is even above the UNESCO recommendation and a lot has been done to the educational sector.
” When I was the governor of Zamfara State which is a disadvantage state in education to appropriate educational state, there was a great improvement in WAEC during my tenure as the governor. During my time in Zamfara State, we were able fill all the gaps,” he said.
Also, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu representing Wurno/Rabah Federal Constituency called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the organisation to bring a boost to the development of educational sector.
“This is a humble recognition for all of us, all Nigerians of conscience as a matter of responsibility should put in their best to support education.
“And, seeing the effort of NOLGALSS, an umbrella body of association that works towards educational development of the country, a group comprising of Nigerians concerned about the state of education in the country and coming together to make sacrifices of their time, convenience.
“Then I see no reason whatsoever for any leader not to support this noble objectives of this organisation,” he said. (NAN)