….Stakeholder Engagements Held Across 16 LGAs to Drive Inclusive Education
By Our Correspondent
In a bold move to tackle illiteracy and expand access to education among underserved populations, the Kwara State Agency for Mass Education (AME) has unveiled an innovative radio-based literacy program titled “Learning by Radio.”
Designed for at-risk youth, orphans, displaced children, and adolescent learners, the initiative leverages the wide reach of radio broadcasting to deliver quality education across the state.
The programme is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 21, 2025, and will be broadcast every Monday and Thursday at 5:20 PM on Midland FM.
As part of the program’s rollout, the agency embarked on statewide advocacy visits to all 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara.
In Offa LGA, the team engaged traditional leaders, political stakeholders, educators, and prospective learners to build local support and ensure active community involvement.
During a courtesy visit to Chief Fatai Oyeyemi Lawal, the Esikin of Offa Kingdom, the traditional leader commended the state government’s unwavering commitment to expanding literacy.
He described the initiative as “a welcome development that empowers the grassroots.”
Hon. Seun Ogunniyi Adato, member representing Ojomu/Balogun Offa State Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his visionary investment in inclusive education.
Hon. Ogunniyi, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Education, pledged legislative support and urged for broader public sensitization to ensure widespread impact.
The two-day stakeholder engagement, held at St. Thomas Primary School, Offa, brought together facilitators, resource persons, and senior officials of the agency.
Mallam Saka Yusuf, Executive Director of the agency—represented by Mr. Olusegun Adedare—highlighted the strategic role of radio in democratizing education. “A single radio lesson can reach hundreds simultaneously.
This not only breaks geographic barriers but also reduces the cost of learning,” he said, reinforcing the administration’s goal of leaving no learner behind.
Speaking at the event, facilitator Mr. A. A. Tomori emphasized the program’s focus on adult learners, noting that it aims to significantly uplift literacy rates across Kwara State.
He encouraged participants and community leaders to champion the program’s success.
In his remarks, Mr. Dare T. Tejumola, the Offa Area Officer of the Agency, urged beneficiaries to regard the radio receivers not merely as gifts but as essential learning tools.
“This gesture must be matched with dedication. Learners are expected to use these devices purposefully to improve their knowledge,” he advised.
A symbolic presentation of learning materials, including radio sets and instructional supplies, was made to Mr Tejumola and later distributed to learners at the venue to enhance participation and academic outcomes.
The “Learning by Radio” initiative is part of a broader vision to close educational gaps and foster inclusive, community-based learning across Kwara State.
Testimonies from learners such as Mr Muhibudeen and Mrs Ayisat—both enrolled in adult education centres—highlighted the life-changing value of literacy and expressed excitement over the opportunity to learn via radio.
