49.1 percent of Tarabans are without basic education – Ag. ES, Taraba Mass Education Board
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The high rate lack of basic education amongst Tarabans has been describe as alarming.
The Acting Executive Secretary of Taraba Mass Education Board, Mal. Hamidu Usman Leme disclose this in his speech during the graduation of Adult learners, held at the Jolly Nyame stadium, Jalingo.
He said that the mandate of the Board as stated in the law, is to totally eradicate illiteracy among the populace of Taraba State.
“Literacy is not just about eradicating illiteracy, but a unique and powerful tool to eradicate poverty and strong means for social and economic development.
“According to the last population census in the country, about 49.1 percent of Tarabans are without basic education. This is alarming in a growing economy like Nigeria.
He said that the Federal Government recently disclose that the number of illiterate Nigerians is about 31 percent.
“The government reveal that as of September 2021, 38 percent of estimated 200 million population representing 70 million adults are non- literate.
“UNESCO report on the global literacy rate are more than 781 million adults around the world cannot read and write as the scourge of illiteracy spare no Nation on earth including Nations like USA which has an estimation of 32 million adults that are illiterate.
“It is therefore our duty to ensure that an individual is able to read and write to keep up with the current events, trends, communicate effectively and understand the issues that are shaping the world.
He announces that about 1,575 learners have successfully completed their studies and will be presented with Basic Literacy Certificate.
“I will like to use this opportunity to call on individuals, Philanthropists NGO’s Foundations Faith based Organizations to as a matter of urgency open literacy centers in their areas or communities.
“This will help increase enrollment and reduce illiteracy.
He calls on the graduating learners to take advantage of the post literacy and continue education program and enroll themselves.
He discloses that the 2023/2024 calendar, the Board enrolled 6,166 learners, out of which 778 are male and 5,388 are female across the 204 literacy centers in the state.
“Out of the total number of learners enrolled, 1,575 are graduating today from various centers including Faith based.
On challenges facing the Board, he said: “Office accommodation has been our greatest challenge.
Presently, the Board is currently carrying out its schedules in a temporary office at TC Quarters. Better working environment boost productivity.
“Lack of Utility vehicle for monitoring of programmes. This is seriously affecting us especially now that we are about to start program in the Correctional centers in the state.
“Inadequate funds and instructional materials. This can be averted if 1 percent of monthly allocation as embedded in the law establishing the Board and accented by Governor in 2013 from the Local Government funds is implemented – he said.
He pointed out that the fundamental aim of Adult learners through the provision of the relevant skills and knowledge which will enable learners or beneficiaries to take appropriate decision about their lives for sustainable social and economic development.
He appreciated the Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas for his efforts in declaring Free Education in the state.
The occasion featured play lead by the Deaf and Dumb amongst others.
