NMEC Empowers 36 North-East Learners with Vocational Skills
By Ahmed Ahmed
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has strengthened its resolve to tackle illiteracy and empower Nigerians through skills acquisition.
The commission presented vocational training materials and equipment to 36 learners across the North-East under its Literacy through Economic Empowerment Strategy (LEES) initiative.
The presentation, held Thursday at the Federal Secretariat, Bauchi, drew stakeholders, state officials, and beneficiaries from across the region.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NMEC, Professor Musa Garba Maitafsir, Mrs. Ejeiji Nnenna Jane, Acting Director of Vocational and Continuing Education, said the programme seeks to bridge literacy gaps while equipping citizens with livelihood skills.
He emphasised that education remains a social and human right regardless of age, noting that millions of adults and out-of-school youths have been deprived of learning opportunities.
“Illiteracy is a social anomaly, worsened by unemployment, gender inequality, and poor access to education. NMEC is committed to repositioning adult and non-formal education to make learners literate, skilled, and self-reliant,” he stated.
Maitafsir explained that LEES integrates literacy with entrepreneurship training in tailoring, hairdressing, catering, shoemaking, and other trades, enabling learners to achieve employability and economic independence.
Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for Mass Education (BASAME), Alhaji Nasiru Hamma, lauded NMEC’s vision and described Bauchi as “a home of hospitality.”
He noted that outstanding learners from six North-East states showcased their talents in competitions across various trades, with winners receiving empowerment kits to launch small businesses.
Zonal Coordinator, Ms. Zainab Bata, reiterated NMEC’s dedication to functional literacy and urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly, warning against selling them.
Stakeholders praised both federal and state governments for supporting literacy and empowerment efforts, stressing that functional education is essential for curbing unemployment, poverty, and social vices.
Winners included: Ardo Usman (Adamawa, shoe and bag making), Maimuna Ismail (Bauchi, make-up), Binta Haruna (Bauchi, hairdressing), Usman Auwal (Adamawa, tailoring), and Bonang Markus (Taraba, catering).
