By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening adult literacy and non-formal education as part of broader efforts to promote inclusive social and economic development across the state.
Speaking at the 2026 Stakeholders’ Forum on Mass Literacy organised by the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, the Director of the Agency, Mrs Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, said literacy remains a critical tool for economic empowerment, poverty reduction, improved civic participation and sustainable development.
The forum, themed “Consolidating Adult Literacy Gains for Inclusive Social and Economic Development,” brought together government officials, education experts, development partners, facilitators, community leaders and other stakeholders to review progress made in adult education and explore new strategies for expanding literacy opportunities in Lagos.
Kalesanwo noted that the Agency had continued to record significant progress in reducing adult illiteracy through literacy programmes, vocational training initiatives, digital learning interventions and community-based educational services.
According to her, the achievements recorded over the years were made possible through sustained collaboration among government institutions, private sector organisations, development partners and grassroots stakeholders committed to advancing lifelong learning.
She stressed that an educated adult population contributes immensely to improved family welfare, increased productivity, safer communities and enhanced socio-economic growth.
“Literacy remains a powerful instrument for social inclusion, economic empowerment, poverty reduction and sustainable development. Sustaining and expanding literacy opportunities is not merely an educational responsibility; it is a collective developmental imperative,” she said.
The Director, however, observed that emerging realities such as rapid technological advancement, changing labour market demands, population growth, migration and widening social inequalities require innovative and more inclusive literacy strategies.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve learning infrastructure, deepen community engagement, leverage digital platforms and ensure adequate funding for adult education programmes across the state.
Kalesanwo expressed optimism that the forum would generate practical recommendations and renewed commitments capable of repositioning mass literacy as a catalyst for inclusive social and economic development in Lagos State.
She also encouraged participants to actively contribute to deliberations and share ideas that would further improve adult and non-formal education delivery.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr Adeniran Kasali; education scholars including Associate Professors Jola Okebiorun and Luqmon Hussain, as well as stakeholders in the education sector and members of the media.
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