Abuja – Dr Jarimi Muhammad of the Faculty of Education, University of Abuja, has called on the Federal Government to launch a campaign on access to education toward reducing illiteracy level in the country.
Muhammad made the call on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He also called for collaboration with traditional rulers to boost school enrollment.
The educationist blamed the increasing level of illiteracy in the country on poor funding, use of nonprofessionals and lack of commitment on the part of states and local governments.
“Government should collaborate with traditional rulers, community leaders, union leaders and other associations to launch a national campaign on access to boost school enrollment.
“Then, make a declaration on early childhood development on education, reduce the number of out of school children and move them into our formal schools.
“We have to do this by encouraging Almajari schools and involving state and local governments because this project has in the past been seen as Federal Government project,” he said.
According to the Don, Nigeria had good educational policies, but that challenges had been lack of continuity and engagement of nonprofessionals for their implementation
He cautioned against putting political interest in appointments in the educational sector, adding that political patronage had over the years had contributed to the failure of government policies.
