The former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been inducted as Grand Patron of Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services, as part of activities to mark International Literacy Day.
Penpushing reports that the investiture was held on Monday at Marque Events Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, where Hon Johnson Fatoki was appointed as National Patron and Olowu of Owu Kingdom Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola as member of the association.
The Nigerian Non-Governmental Association (NOGALSS) is one of the registered collaboration Non-Governmental Organisations with the Federal Ministry of Education, an apex umbrella body of the Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Societies Organisations working in the areas of literacy, livelihood skills, and non-formal education in Nigeria.
The National President of the body Comrade Noah Emmanuel in his speech pointed out that the legacy of Obasanjo in education sector was unparalleled, recalling that from onset of his administration he made it clear that education was a priority, with the introduction of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in 1999.
Penpushing further reports that he stated that it was a landmark achievement that provided millions of Nigerian children with access to free, compulsory and universal basic education, stressing that the initiative laid the foundation for a brighter future for countless young Nigerians
‘Your recognition of the critical role on non-formal education in combating illiteracy was visionary. You understood that education must be inclusive, reaching those who had been left behind by formal system’, he said
‘Under your leadership, the support for adult literacy programmes and community-based education initiatives grew significantly, empowering women, out-of school children and marginalized communities across the country’
Penpushing also reports that Emmanuel disclosed that the association as determination to appreciate Obasanjo’s legacy, announced the establishment of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Literacy Legacy Fund to be domiciled with UNESCO.
The Minister of State for Education, Hon Yusuf Tanko Sununu in his remarks emphasized that the association is trusted and tested which has played an invaluable role in reaching underserved communities.
Penpushing reports that he stated that the association is built on integrity, commitment and the relentless pursuit of a literate and educated Nigerian, adding that it promotes lifelong learning, and empowering countless Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in life
‘We are already taking steps to improve the capacity of our teachers, especially our local languages teachers and also develop learning materials that reflect the rich diversity of Nigeria. We are also encouraging our curriculum planners and state ministries of education to develop more education contents in local languages’, he added
Penpushing further reports that the Minister assured that Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that policies and practices align with vision of multilingual education, calling on need for all stakeholders to works towards achieving the objectives
‘We must work hand in hand with educators, curriculum developers, and local communities to create a system that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of our cultural and linguistic diversity. The national policy on education already recognizes the importance of teaching in the mother tongue at the foundation level, but we must go further’, he emphasised
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