The Oyo State Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education (AANFE) celebrated the graduation of 2,010 adults from its literacy programmes, encouraging citizens to embrace education for personal and societal growth. Held in alignment with the 2023 International Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition,” the ceremony underscored literacy’s role in poverty reduction, health improvement, and economic participation. AANFE Chairman, Ayo Olopoenia, urged attendees to advocate for adult education, emphasizing that a well-informed society is a stronger one.

With 34 state-operated centers, 28 NGO-supported centers, and 4 additional locations run by the National Mass Education Commission (NMEC), AANFE has seen 1,497 graduates from its basic literacy course, 373 from post-literacy, and 140 from advanced levels. Commissioner for Education, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed, highlighted literacy as foundational to adapting to global challenges, while NMEC’s Kuburat Lawal linked literacy to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, gender equality, and economic growth.

Oyo State’s Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, praised the governor’s commitment to human capital development in the 2024 budget, viewing literacy as vital for the state’s economic advancement. Additional speakers, including Professor Agbomehre Momoh from the University of Ibadan, advocated for establishing a dedicated literacy fund to expand adult education initiatives, reinforcing that literacy supports sustainable development and inclusive growth.

The event brought together government officials, NGO leaders, and community representatives, all celebrating the achievements of the graduates and reaffirming a collective commitment to literacy as a driver of progress in Oyo State.