The federal government has introduced a new national policy on alternative learning pathways aimed at expanding access to education for out-of-school children, youths, and adults across Nigeria.
The policy was disclosed in Abuja by the Director of Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr John Edeh.
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According to him, the policy, recently unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, is designed to address long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s non-formal education system.
He explained that it focuses on helping learners move more easily into formal education or vocational training through improved certification and flexible learning structures.
Dr Edeh said the new framework also shortens the time required for learning, allowing individuals who missed formal schooling to complete equivalent education within three to four years, instead of spending over a decade in traditional school systems.
He described the initiative as a major reform that could reduce the country’s large number of out-of-school children and youths.
According to him, the policy is also expected to support efforts to tackle unemployment and reduce social challenges linked to illiteracy, including insecurity.
“The policy is simply addressing some of the main areas of mainstreaming. It talks about certification, how a learner can easily migrate or mainstream into another level,” he said.
Edeh added that the initiative is already operational and called on stakeholders in the literacy and non-formal education sector to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.
He said the broader goal is not only to provide education, but also to equip learners with skills that can improve livelihoods and reduce social vices in society.
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