Nigeria among few nations where most children start school in a foreign language, says NMEC boss

The National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) in Nigeria highlighted the country as one of the few where children start school in a foreign language, hindering progress in reducing illiteracy. Dr. John Onimisi Edeh, the acting executive secretary of NMEC, emphasized the importance of embracing local languages in education to improve literacy rates.

Edeh noted that Nigeria's adult literacy levels, especially in rural areas, remain low due to the dominance of foreign languages in educational programs. The NMEC is updating materials and engaging local authors to promote literacy in communities, with a focus on multilingual education.

The agency is also working on developing new reading materials and community learning centers to sustain learning efforts. The summit's theme, "Literacy Without Borders: Multilingual Education as a Tool for Empowering Adults and Youths and Fostering Peace," aims to generate practical strategies to overcome language barriers and ensure all Nigerians have the opportunity.