By Newspot Nigeria Science Desk
As of 2024, Nigeria’s adult literacy rate has declined to 59.57%, according to a recent report by Veriv Africa. This is not just a number—it’s a reflection of a system struggling to deliver basic education to tens of millions. The drop from earlier gains underscores the harsh realities facing Nigeria’s education sector: underfunding, low enrollment, persistent insecurity, and lack of innovation in teaching delivery.
But in the midst of this crisis lies an overlooked opportunity—mobile technology.
A recent study from the University of Ibadan by Dr. Omobola Adelore and Morakinyo Akintolu found that adult learners who used mobile phones for literacy training significantly outperformed their peers in traditional settings. These learners recorded a higher achievement score (41.18 vs. 33.62) by using their phones to access lessons, get feedback, and study on the go.
The value of mobile learning is clear: it meets learners where they are, literally. With over 18.3 million Nigerian children out of school and countless adults locked out of formal education, mobile devices offer flexible, inclusive access to knowledge—without waiting for classroom space or government interventions.
Moreover, mobile learning particularly benefits marginalized populations: rural women, informal workers, displaced persons, and youth in conflict zones. It is learner-centered, affordable, and adaptable. Nigeria’s north—home to the majority of out-of-school children and frequent school attacks—stands to benefit immensely from this shift.
Yet, despite its promise, Nigeria has not meaningfully integrated mobile learning into its adult education policy. Instead, ₦54.9 billion in Universal Basic Education (UBEC) funds remained inaccessible to 27 states as of mid-2024, due to issues around counterpart funding and compliance with the UBE Act. This is money that could help digitize learning, subsidize mobile data, and train facilitators to deliver content across digital platforms.
If Nigeria is serious about reversing its literacy decline and achieving SDG 4.6—which seeks universal literacy by 2030—it must act boldly:
- Incorporate mobile learning into national and sub-national education strategies
- Subsidize data and smartphones for adult learners and facilitators
- Prioritize mobile learning in conflict-prone and under-served regions
- Launch targeted digital campaigns to increase enrollment and retention
The tools are already in our hands. What’s needed now is vision, investment, and political will.
At Newspot Nigeria, we believe literacy is not a luxury—it’s a right. And in today’s Nigeria, the simplest, most scalable classroom might just be in your pocket.
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Newspot Nigeria: Where ideas meet action.
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