Federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Education has inaugurated a community learning centre in Akwa Ibom State to enhance informal education in the country.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, during the inauguration yesterday in Ikot Abasi, said the centre would serve multiple purposes which include; skills acquisition, digital literacy, adult education and youth empowerment.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Professor Leo Daniel, who represented the minister, said the project aims to increase access to quality education and foster inclusive learning opportunities for the people in the communities.
“The Community and Education Centre at Ikot Abasi will serve multiple purposes as a place of learning, a hub for skills acquisition, digital literacy, adult education and youth empowerment.
“We are keenly aware of the challenges facing education in our nation, from inadequate infrastructure to low enrollment and retention in rural areas, especially for the girl-child.
“Through partnership with state and local governments, and developing agencies, we are working tirelessly to close these gaps and ensure that no child is left behind,” Ahmad said.
The minister assured that in the next two years, the present administration would empower not less than 650,000 youths with technical, vocational and the digital skills required to meet the emerging industrial and labour needs in the country.
Governor Umo Eno assured the federal government of protection of the facility against vandalism for the benefit of not just the host community, but the entire state.
Eno commended the federal government for its investment in education which remains part of his policy thrust.
Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ubong Umoh, urged the communities to embrace the project and improve their knowledge and learning for improved living condition.
In his remarks, the Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Professor Simon Akpama said the centre will impart knowledge and skills into Nigerians to enable them contribute their quota to national development.