Nigeria Launches Continental Campaign to End Learning Poverty

Published on 3 August 2025 at 10:51

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Ending Learning Poverty for All in Africa (ELPAF) campaign, an African Union (AU)-led initiative aimed at ensuring all children attain foundational literacy and numeracy for lifelong learning and sustainable development.

According to the World Bank, over 80% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are affected by learning poverty, defined as the inability of a 10-year-old to read and understand a simple sentence. This crisis has been described as "the silent erosion of human potential."

The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to education under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Key initiatives include:

Aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills among Nigerian children.
A digital platform providing access to educational resources and materials.
Focuses on accelerating basic education for out-of-school children and those who have dropped out.
Aims to improve teacher quality and effectiveness.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these initiatives, challenges persist, including overcrowded classrooms and infrastructure gaps. However, the government remains committed to addressing these issues and ensuring quality education for all.

The ELPAF campaign is supported by the African Union and UNICEF, among other partners. Nigeria's selection as one of the 25 pilot countries is a testament to its commitment to education reform.

The ELPAF campaign provides a roadmap for measurable transformation in education. By working together, African nations can close equity gaps and deliver inclusive, quality education for all.

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