NMEC Launches Digital Literacy Training for Facilitators Nationwide
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has commenced a comprehensive nationwide training program for facilitators, focusing on digital competencies to significantly improve the delivery of literacy programs across Nigeria. This initiative represents a strategic effort to reposition adult literacy education in alignment with global digital transformation trends.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Literacy
Speaking at a workshop held in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NMEC, Prof. Garba Maitasfir, emphasized that the training marks a crucial milestone in the commission's mission to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of age, location, or socio-economic background, acquires essential literacy and numeracy skills. Represented by the Director of Literacy and Development, John Edeh, Maitasfir highlighted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution has fundamentally reshaped learning globally, making digital tools indispensable for effective literacy delivery.
"The world has changed dramatically," Maitasfir stated. "Smartphones, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, mobile applications, and open educational resources have become the new blackboards and chalk of our time. For an agency like NMEC, whose mandate is to eradicate illiteracy and promote lifelong learning, we cannot afford to stand still while the world moves at digital speed."
Addressing Barriers with Digital Solutions
Maitasfir explained that while traditional face-to-face literacy classes have served the country well over the years, they are no longer sufficient to reach underserved populations effectively. He noted that women, rural dwellers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups often face significant barriers, including:
- Distance to learning centers
- Security concerns
- Time constraints
- Limited learning opportunities
According to him, digital learning platforms will help bridge these gaps by enabling learners to access literacy lessons remotely through mobile devices and internet-based platforms. "With a smartphone and internet access, a learner in a remote village can attend literacy classes, while a trader can practice reading and numeracy during free hours. This is not science fiction; it is the future we must create today," he asserted.
Training Content and Implementation Strategy
The NMEC chief detailed that the training will equip participants with essential skills in:
- Developing interactive e-learning content
- Facilitating online classes effectively
- Tracking learner progress using data analytics
- Ensuring cyber safety for adult learners
He added that this training serves as a follow-up to the 2022 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Institute for Lifelong Learning initiative under the Global Alliance for Literacy, which aimed at strengthening educators' digital competencies. Facilitators trained at the workshop will cascade this knowledge to literacy centers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Overcoming Challenges and Promoting Inclusivity
Maitasfir acknowledged existing challenges, including poor internet connectivity, limited access to smart devices, and unstable electricity supply. However, he assured participants that the commission is actively exploring partnerships with mobile network operators and development partners to address these gaps.
Professor Blessing Anyikwa, a Professor of Adult Basic Literacy and Non-Formal Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), noted that inadequate digital skills and economic constraints remain major barriers faced by both facilitators and adult learners. The training focuses on helping facilitators understand different categories of digital devices and how to use them effectively for teaching.
"When facilitators lack knowledge of the features on digital devices, usability becomes a significant challenge," Anyikwa explained. "Economic factors also affect access to certain technologies. Our goal is to demonstrate that learning can still take place using both smartphones and feature phones, ensuring that adults in rural communities are not left behind."
She emphasized that this initiative will promote inclusive learning opportunities for women, men, and vulnerable populations through adaptable digital literacy methods, ultimately contributing to a more literate and empowered Nigerian society.
