Abuja: The Federal Government has announced the establishment of more than 8,000 learning centres across the nation to enhance access to adult literacy and non-formal education. Dr. John Edeh, the Director overseeing the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), revealed this development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, these centres are strategically distributed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to provide second-chance education opportunities for youths and adults who missed formal schooling. The initiative also includes the opening of additional centres under the Universal Basic Education intervention support fund, specifically targeting underserved communities.
Dr. Edeh elaborated that approximately 136 learning centres have been established in the FCT, with more than 50 additional centres in each state. Notable expansions include 74 new centres in Ibadan, 64 in Owerri, and furth
er establishments in Bauchi, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Katsina, and Niger, all aimed at complementing existing facilities.
Currently, the centres serve less than one million learners. However, the government is working to scale up operations to enrol an additional 50,000 to 100,000 learners within the next six months. The aim is to reintegrate these learners into the education system and offer vocational training opportunities, complete with starter packs for those who choose this path.