LiPAN President Raises Alarm Over Poor Literacy Among Nigerian Children

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13/10/26 • 164 Visninger • 0 Del • Udgivet i Andet

The National President of the Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LiPAN), Prof. Nkechi M. Christopher, has expressed concern over the poor level of literacy among Nigerian children and young pe..

Christopher made the call ahead of the association’s 20th Biennial Conference, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, from October 13 to 15, 2026.

The conference, formerly organised by the Reading Association of Nigeria (RAN), is themed, “Early Literacy Development in Nigeria: Straightening Foundations for Learning and National Development.”

According to the LiPAN president, the gathering will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, literacy practitioners and other stakeholders to examine challenges affecting early literacy development and their implications for learning and national development.

She stressed the need for a coordinated approach involving government, families, schools and communities to improve literacy outcomes among Nigerian children and young people.

Christopher noted that the quality of literacy foundations provided to children required renewed attention, describing literacy as a critical factor in national development rather than merely an educational concern.

“Literacy is not merely an educational issue but a matter of national development. Greater public discussion of how children acquire strong literacy foundations, and of the responsibilities of families, schools, communities, government and other stakeholders, is essential to building a stronger foundation for learning in Nigeria,” she said.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the country’s literacy outcomes, Christopher criticised an education system in which children could spend about 12 years in school without acquiring adequate literacy skills.

“I am angry with a system that brings in children in the name of free education, holds them for 12 years, and sends them out as illiterates,” she said.

She explained that literacy development begins long before a child enters the classroom, noting that everyday activities such as listening to stories, talking with parents and caregivers, looking at pictures, handling books and learning that symbols convey meaning all contribute to early literacy.

The LiPAN president also emphasised that literacy extends beyond the ability to read, describing it as a combination of interconnected skills necessary for effective communication and learning.

“Reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking and evaluating are all interconnected dimensions of effective language use,” she said.

She called for greater recognition of early literacy as a foundation for children's academic progress and future development, urging stakeholders to work together to address existing gaps.

The three-day conference will feature plenary sessions and panel discussions designed to encourage informed discussions on literacy development and provide opportunities for participants to share practical strategies for improving literacy across Nigeria.