Enugu State Government Reveals Alarming Literacy and Numeracy Challenges Among Pupils

During a keynote address at the quadrennial convention of the Old Boys Association of Union Secondary School in Awkunanaw, Enugu State, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, revealed a concerning statistic. He stated that according to the government’s Baseline Assessment conducted in November 2023, 50 per cent of pupils in the state are unable to read in English or solve basic mathematics problems.

Prof. Onyia expressed dismay at the findings, noting that even after six years of primary education, half of the children struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills. He highlighted that this issue is not unique to Enugu State but is a nationwide concern, as three out of four children who complete basic education in Nigeria lack proficiency in literacy and numeracy, a situation referred to by global bodies such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO as the “Nigerian Learning Crisis.”

Addressing the need for change, Prof. Onyia outlined the state government’s efforts to revamp the education system to align with global standards and equip students with essential skills for the future. This includes integrating bio-digital-technology into education to drive industrial growth and introducing innovative technologies in basic education.

Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has taken steps to reform the education system, with a focus on introducing smart school models across the state’s electoral wards. These models incorporate facilities for artificial intelligence, robotics, and interactive smart boards, aiming to provide students with practical learning experiences and equip them with emerging technological skills.

Furthermore, the academic curricula will prioritize experiential learning methods, problem-solving, and case studies, aiming to transform how teachers teach and how students learn. Prof. Onyia emphasized that these changes will not only enhance students’ skills but also prepare them to compete globally.

Source: Daily Nigerian