From Ademola Orunbon
Ogun State Government has introduced Literacy By Radio (LBR) in English Language, with the distribution of 300 radio sets, textbooks, sewing machines and materials, hair dryers and hair making materials, gas cookers, refrigerator and much more, to further enhance learning abilities of the adult learners.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu made this known at the flag-off in Abeokuta, saying the inclusion of adults and Non-Formal education sector would improve literacy rate of the country.
Arigbabu, in a statement signed by Press Officer, MES&T, Mrs. Damilola Jacob, revealed that the World Bank statistics showed that 38 percent of the country’s population are illiterate, thus, the initiative of the National Mass Education and Non-Formal Education Commission (NMEC) through the State’s Agency for Mass Education is a step in the right direction.
“Adult education and the non-formal sector are indeed a priority of the present administration, this is why the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the autonomy of the Agency for Mass Education. I therefore urge facilitators, supervisors and adult learners to take this exercise very seriously, as the government will ensure continuous monitoring of the project”, the Commissioner said.
In her remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye said increase in literacy rate was the first function of education, assuring that the agency would continue to address the challenge of literacy deficit.
In her goodwill message, the Southwest Coordinator, NMEC, Mrs. Kuburat Lawal lauded the effort of the government which has singled them out for being selected for the project.
In his welcome address, the Director, Agency for Mass Education, Mr. Mikhail Lawal, reiterated the support of the State government to adult education through the prompt payment of facilitators’ honoraria and capacity building workshops for personnel.