70% of under-10 children can’t read simple sentences — Official

A recent report from the National Human Capital Development Programme reveals that approximately 70% of Nigerian children under the age of ten are unable to read and comprehend basic sentences. This alarming statistic underscores the country's growing learning crisis and raises questions about Nigeria's capacity to cultivate a productive workforce.

Speaking at a media engagement, the National Coordinator of Human Capital Development 2.0 and Special Adviser to the President, Rukaiya el-Rufai, emphasized the severity of the issue. She stated that while school attendance is common, it does not guarantee that children are developing the essential literacy and numeracy skills necessary to contribute effectively to the economy.

El-Rufai further explained that the problem extends beyond the education sector, as the quality of learning directly impacts the ability of young Nigerians to acquire advanced skills required by industries. She used the Dangote Refinery as an example, highlighting that workers there could not be adequately trained for specialized roles without addressing foundational educational shortcomings.

The implications of this learning crisis are profound, suggesting that many young individuals may graduate from school or enter the labor force without possessing the skills needed for well-paying jobs. The Human Capital Development 2.0 programme, which is addressing these challenges, has identified six priority indicators, including learning poverty and youth not in employment, education, or training.

The programme is being implemented through the National Economic Council, which facilitates collaboration between the federal government and states. Each state is developing its own Human Capital Development plan based on their unique challenges. The programme aims to improve Nigeria's performance on key human capital indicators and is supported by various development and private-sector partners.