Abuja, May 15, 2026 The increasing number of out-of-school youths in Nigeria has been linked to rising insecurity, widespread poverty and the prevalence of early marriage across various communities.
The Director overseeing the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr. John Edeh, made this known in an interview in Abuja.
He said many young people and adults were now prioritising survival-oriented skills over formal education due to prevailing social and economic hardships.
According to him, insecurity remains a key driver of school dropout rates, while early marriage and limited awareness of the value of education are also contributing to the trend.
Edeh explained that the commission has intensified sensitisation and mobilisation efforts to encourage more people to enrol in literacy and non-formal education programmes.
He noted that NMEC runs several initiatives designed to reintegrate out-of-school youths into learning, including basic literacy, post-literacy, continuing education and vocational training.
The programmes, he said, are flexible and structured to accommodate learners’ availability.
He further explained that the basic literacy programme caters to individuals who have never had formal schooling and typically runs for six to nine months, depending on learning pace and contact hours.
Edeh added that learners are allowed to choose convenient days for classes, usually attending at least three times weekly.
He said participants can also progress to post-literacy education, which is equivalent to primary four to primary six and lasts about one and a half years.
According to him, the system is designed to be accelerated, similar to the Accelerated Basic Education Programme.
Edeh further stated that the commission also offers vocational and continuing education programmes aimed at equipping learners with practical skills.
He added that combining literacy education with vocational training helps participants acquire employable skills and improve their chances of economic independence.