The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called for the institutionalisation of adult literacy and non-formal education programmes in Nigerian universities, stressing that education must remain accessible to all categories of learners for national development.
Speaking during a meeting with officials of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) in Ilorin, Egbewole said literacy initiatives should be sustained beyond individual administrations. He commended stakeholders and the University’s Institute of Education for their dedication in advancing adult education despite existing challenges.
The Vice Chancellor urged the Director of the Institute of Education, Professor AbdulRaheem Yusuf, to integrate the programme into the University’s operational framework to ensure continuity. He also encouraged NMEC to replicate similar literacy initiatives in other universities across the country, warning against abandoning programmes after years of investment and effort.
NMEC’s Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Edeh John Onimisi, praised the University of Ilorin for its commitment to adult literacy, describing the institution as a pace-setter in the sector. He revealed that the commission had developed a new curriculum aimed at compressing nine years of basic education into a three-year programme to help more Nigerians acquire literacy skills quickly without compromising quality.
Also speaking, Professor AbdulRaheem Yusuf and Governing Council member, Alhaja Abosede Juwon Olayiwola, commended Egbewole’s leadership and support for inclusive education. Olayiwola disclosed that about 98 people had already shown interest in the programme, describing literacy empowerment as a lasting investment capable of transforming lives and society.
