As the world observes International Literacy Day today, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly has called for substantial investment in Nigeria’s education sector at all levels to improve literacy levels in the country.
In a statement released to journalists to mark the occasion, Senator Mustapha emphasized the need for deliberate policies to align with UNESCO’s literacy targets.
He also appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its planned strike.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, warned that a strike could severely undermine the country’s educational progress and jeopardize the future of many students.
He urged ASUU to return to the negotiating table with the federal government.
“Nothing meaningful can be achieved amid endless disputes. We must put Nigeria’s interest above all else,” the senator said.
He emphasized that continuous conflict only weakens the nation’s learning institutions.
Beyond conflict resolution, Senator Mustapha underscored the necessity of better remuneration for teachers nationwide, a measure he believes will significantly boost literacy rates.
He reaffirmed his own contributions to education, including free JAMB, WAEC, and NECO scholarship initiatives, as well as full university scholarships for approximately two hundred students within and beyond his constituency.
Mustapha further announced the launch of another round of full university scholarships as part of his sustained efforts to elevate literacy and educational attainment in his constituency and Kwara State as a whole.