Stakeholders in the non-formal education sector convened in Ikeja, Lagos State, to tackle pressing issues affecting the sector, even as the State boasts 32,850 adult learners.
The stakeholders, who spoke during a panel discussion at the 2024 Stakeholders Forum on Mass Literacy in Lagos State organised by the State Agency for Mass Education, highlighted key challenges and potential solutions.
Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, opened the forum by emphasizing the critical need for government and private sector funding to support mass literacy programs.
She urged stakeholders to seek alternative funding from philanthropists, multinational companies, and corporate bodies, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient for the sector’s development.
Associate Professor Luqman Hussain of Lagos State University discussed the challenges faced by out-of-school youths. He identified financial constraints, family issues, cultural barriers, and societal vices as significant factors.
Dr. Hussain proposed solutions such as skills and vocational training, flexible educational systems, specialized curriculums, technology-based learning, e-learning platforms, incentives, financial support, and mentorship to address these issues.
Professor Adult Education, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Professor Blessing Ayinkwa focused on the socio-economic, educational, and institutional barriers that affect adult learners’ retention rates. She pointed out that financial constraints, family obligations, lack of prior education, language barriers, fear of belonging, technological gaps, and rigid learning schedules often lead to dropouts.
Professor Ayinkwa emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable learning environment, providing suitable infrastructure, and focusing on understanding rather than grading.
Head of the Education Management Information System in the Agency for Mass Education, Mr. Abiodun Osideko, highlighted the importance of data collection and skills development in the non-formal education sector. He explained that data collection aids informed decision-making, helps identify challenges, sets goals, presents statistics, sources funds, tracks progress, and ensures a return on investment.
Head of the Vocational Department in the Agency, Mrs. Ayodele Salu, stressed the need for sensitization, mobilization, and advocacy within the sector. She recommended regular stakeholder dialogues, increased visits to the State House of Assembly for funding and support, and engagement with local government authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and trader union leaders.
Mrs. Salu also advocated for media campaigns, partnerships with private organizations both locally and internationally, and the use of local dialects to disseminate messages effectively.
