Egbewole advocates sustainable adult literacy programme
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called for the institutionalisation of adult literacy and non-formal education programmes in Nigerian universities, stressing that access to education must continually be expanded to accommodate all categories of learners.
Prof. Egbewole, who stated this last Thursday (June 4, 2026) while receiving a team from the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Abuja, noted that literacy remains a critical tool for national development and urged stakeholders to ensure that initiatives aimed at promoting adult education are sustained beyond individuals.
The Vice Chancellor commended the resilience, dedication and passion of stakeholders who had driven the process to its current stage, particularly the leadership of the Institute of Education, noting that the success recorded was a testament to perseverance in the face of challenges.
Prof. Egbewole observed that the University was fortunate to have committed professionals who had championed the initiative, adding that their contributions had positioned the institution as a key driver of adult and non-formal education. He emphasised the need to ensure that the programme becomes part of the enduring processes of the University, explaining that future administrators should be able to build upon the foundation already laid.
The legal luminary charged the Director of the Institute of Education, Prof. AbdulRaheem Yusuf, to work towards integrating the programme into the operational framework of the University to guarantee continuity. He also urged NMEC to facilitate the replication of similar initiatives in other universities and educational institutions across the country, noting that literacy programmes should not be allowed to fade away after years of investment and effort.
Prof. Egbewole said that exposing more citizens to the rudiments of literacy would produce better-informed and more productive members of society. He expressed appreciation to the representative of the Federal Ministry of Education on the University Governing Council and the Commission for its support and commitment to the project, stating that the collaboration had created greater awareness of the importance of lifelong learning while providing opportunities for beneficiaries to develop useful skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking earlier, the Ag. Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr Edeh John Onimisi, commended the University for its outstanding commitment to adult literacy and non-formal education, describing the institution as a pace-setter in the sector.
He noted that while mass literacy programmes across the country had faced numerous challenges over the years, UNILORIN had distinguished itself through impactful interventions that had transformed the lives of non-literate youths and adults within and beyond its community.
Dr Onimisi particularly lauded the Director of IOE for championing initiatives that provide learning opportunities for individuals who were unable to acquire formal education at the appropriate stage of their lives, adding that the Director was invited to Abuja to contribute to the development of an accelerated adult education curriculum, owing to his wealth of experience and remarkable contributions to the field.
The NMEC boss explained that the new curriculum was designed to compress nine years of basic education into a three-year programme without compromising quality, thereby creating opportunities for more Nigerians to acquire essential literacy skills within a shorter period. He expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen efforts at reducing illiteracy and empowering citizens for national development.
Also speaking, the IOE Director, Prof. AbdulRaheem Yusuf, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for his unwavering support towards the advancement of adult and non-formal education in the University. He described the Vice Chancellor as a visionary leader whose administration has continued to drive positive transformation across the institution through landmark developmental projects, innovative policies and a commitment to excellence.
Prof. Yusuf noted that the University has remained at the forefront of technological advancement in higher education, stressing that the institution’s transition to a paperless system and emphasis on Information Technology compliance among staff and students have positioned it as a model for other universities in Nigeria.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Education on the Governing Council of the University, Alhaja Abosede Juwon Olayiwola, described the adult literacy initiative as a vision that has grown into a remarkable success story worthy of celebration.
She also commended the Vice Chancellor for providing the leadership and institutional backing that transformed the dream into reality, noting that no fewer than 98 persons had indicated interest in the programme, a testament to its growing impact and relevance.
Alhaja Olayiwola disclosed that similar efforts she championed in Federal Government Colleges across the country failed to gain traction due to inadequate support and funding. She expressed delight that what could not be achieved elsewhere had flourished at the University because of Prof. Egbewole’s commitment to inclusive education, adding that empowering people through literacy is a lasting investment in humanity and, in line with Islamic teachings, an enduring act of charity whose benefits continue to impact lives for generations.
