The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and concrete steps to address Nigeria’s growing literacy crisis.
The association made the call in a statement issued by its Cap’n, Dr. Charles Meribole, to commemorate the 2026 International Literacy Day, with the theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.”
Meribole expressed concern over the estimated 18.3 million out-of-school children and 64 million illiterate adults in Nigeria, describing the situation as unacceptable for a country seeking to build a prosperous and globally competitive economy.
He said literacy is a fundamental human right and provides people with the skills needed to learn, work, participate meaningfully in society, innovate and live with dignity.
According to him, widespread illiteracy has serious economic and social consequences, including poverty, vulnerability to manipulation and exposure to violence. He also linked the literacy crisis to rising insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The association acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts through the HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme but urged the government to move beyond policy announcements and make foundational literacy a national priority.
NAS called for improved security around schools, especially in Northern Nigeria, to prevent abductions and school closures. It also urged the reform and expansion of the National Commission on Mass Literacy, Adult Education and Non-Formal Education to ensure that rural communities are adequately reached.
The association further advocated for education policies to be integrated with measures addressing poverty, hunger, insecurity, displacement, social protection and gender inequality.
Meribole said Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030 would require a highly literate population capable of applying knowledge and skills to drive economic development.
He therefore urged the government to move from budgetary allocations and declarations to measurable outcomes that demonstrate real progress in tackling illiteracy across the country.
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