The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has begun the training of facilitators nationwide on digital competencies aimed at improving literacy programme delivery across Nigeria.

The executive secretary of NMEC, Garba Maitasfir, said the initiative was part of efforts to reposition adult literacy education in line with global digital transformation.

Mr Maitasfir, represented by the director of literacy and development, John Edeh, spoke at a workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

The workshop has the theme “Building the Digital Competencies of NMEC Facilitators on the Use of Digital Tools to Deliver Literacy Programmes”

He said the training marked another milestone in the commission’s drive to ensure that every Nigerian, irrespective of age, location or socio-economic background, acquires basic literacy and numeracy skills.

According to him, the fourth industrial revolution has reshaped learning globally, making digital tools indispensable for effective literacy delivery.

“The world has changed. Smartphones, artificial intelligence tools, mobile applications and open educational resources have become the new blackboards and chalk of our time.

“For an agency like NMEC whose mandate is to eradicate illiteracy and promote lifelong learning, we cannot afford to stand still while the world moves at digital speed,” he said.

The executive secretary said that traditional face-to-face literacy classes had served the country well over the years but were no longer sufficient to reach underserved populations.

He explained that women, rural dwellers, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups often faced barriers such as distance, insecurity, time constraints and limited learning opportunities.

Mr Maitasfir said digital learning platforms would help bridge such gaps, enabling learners to access literacy lessons remotely through mobile devices and internet-based platforms.

“With a simple smartphone and internet access, a learner in a remote village can now attend literacy classes, while a trader can practise reading and numeracy during free hours.

“This is not science fiction; it is the future we must create today,” he said.

He further said that participants would be equipped with skills in developing interactive e-learning content, facilitating online classes, tracking learner progress using data analytics and ensuring cyber safety for adult learners.

The NMEC boss said the training was a follow-up to the 2022 UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning initiative under the Global Alliance for Literacy aimed at strengthening digital competencies of literacy educators.

He said that digitally competent facilitators trained at the workshop would cascade the knowledge to literacy centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He acknowledged challenges such as poor internet connectivity, limited access to smart devices and unstable electricity supply.

He, however, assured participants that the commission was exploring partnerships with mobile network operators and development partners to address the gaps.

Also speaking, Blessing Anyikwa, a professor of adult basic literacy and non-formal education at the University of Lagos, said inadequate digital skills and economic constraints remained major barriers faced by facilitators and adult learners.

Ms Anyikwa said the training focused on helping facilitators understand different categories of digital devices and how to use them effectively for teaching.

“When facilitators lack knowledge of the features on digital devices, usability becomes a challenge. Economic factors also affect access to certain technologies.

“Our goal is to show that learning can still take place using both smartphones and feature phones, so that adults in rural communities are not left behind,” she said.

She emphasised that the initiative would promote inclusive learning opportunities for women, men and vulnerable populations through adaptable digital literacy methods.

The training forms part of NMEC’s broader strategy to modernise adult education delivery and expand access to literacy programmes across the country.

 (NAN)