Despite the great promise in new forms of media and the proliferation of new avenues of self-expression, many people overlook the fact that a great number of young Africans remain illiterate and cannot fully participate in the conversations in their communities. Although six out of ten Nigerians have received some form of formal education, there are still about 35 million illiterate adults in Nigeria, and 10,5 million school age children are currently not enrolled in a school.
In this week’s Speak Up, we talk to a young Nigerian woman tells us about the effects a limited education has had on her life, and Lara, a mother of three in her late twenties who is an enrolled student, explains why she decided to go to school at such a late stage. Last, we hear from Linus Yakubu, a teacher who gives adult literacy evening classes at a school in Nigeria. He thinks that Nigerian society should do more to make education a real priority.
About Speak UP!
Speak UP! is an audio show in which young Africans discuss thorny social issues without pulling any punches. It is created by a selection of young hosts and producers in Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria and Kenya, working in partnership with local media organizations and RNW. Each edition of Speak UP! provides YOU with a chance to express yourself – because everybody wants to be heard.
And if there’s a topic you’d like to speak up about, get in touch with us via Facebook or Twitter!
