By Amodu Ojochogu Gloria
As the world marks International Literacy Day (ILD) every September 8th, this year’s celebration is especially significant. It marks 60 years since UNESCO first established ILD in 1966. UNESCO’s mandate to promote cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication also helps to protect important cultural and natural heritage sites around the world.
This year’s theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet, and Prosperity”, provides an opportunity to take stock of progress, deepen our understanding of persistent and emerging challenges, and shape future literacy agendas in a rapidly changing world.
Literacy is a fundamental human right for all. It opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms, and global citizenship.
Literacy is also the foundation for people to acquire broader knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors. It fosters a culture of lasting peace based on respect for equality and non-discrimination, the rule of law, solidarity, justice, diversity, and tolerance. It helps us build harmonious relationships with ourselves, with other people, and with the planet.
In his message for this year’s celebration, the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany, said:
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, we reaffirm literacy as a fundamental human right and a powerful force for transforming lives, economies, and societies. Over the past six decades, countries and partners worldwide have made advances in literacy, which remains the bedrock of global growth.”_
In Nigeria, the education sector has made tremendous efforts to improve access and completion. The introduction of the Students’ Loan Scheme by the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will further enhance students’ ability to continue and complete their studies.
In Kogi State, the government has made Kogites proud. His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ensured that Kogi children have access to education. Tertiary students both within and outside the state now benefit from bursary allowances. There has also been the provision of standard equipment and the renovation of schools across the state.
Despite the challenges in Nigeria’s education sector, progress continues. However, more needs to be done to produce quality graduates who can stand the test of time and build a brighter, more productive nation.
