The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Policy on Alternative Learning Pathways aimed at expanding access to education for out-of-school children, youths and adults across Nigeria.

The development was disclosed in Abuja by John Edeh, Director of Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC).

FG Targets Out-Of-School Crisis

According to Edeh, the policy was recently unveiled by Tunji Alausa as part of efforts to address long-standing gaps within Nigeria’s non-formal education system.

He explained that the initiative is designed to improve certification processes and create flexible learning pathways that would allow beneficiaries to transition into higher education or vocational opportunities.

“The whole vision is to address the large number of out-of-school youth and children significantly,” he said.

Faster Learning Structure Introduced

Edeh noted that the policy would compress learning duration for beneficiaries who missed formal education.

According to him, individuals can now complete equivalent educational programmes within three to four years instead of spending more than a decade in the conventional school system.

He added that the programme is expected to help mainstream learners into formal educational structures more easily.

FG Links Education To Security

The NMEC official further stated that the policy would not only provide access to education but also help tackle unemployment, insecurity, banditry and other social problems linked to illiteracy.

“It will also ensure that the people are not only provided with education, but also empower them to reduce unemployment, insecurity, banditry and all forms of vices in the country,” he said.

Edeh disclosed that the policy is already operational and urged stakeholders in the literacy and non-formal education sector to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.