Low Literacy and Associated Challenges for Sustainable Community Development in Igbo-Ora, an Agrarian Community in Nigeria

Learning to read and write is a fundamental right. Yet official figures by the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that 38% of African adults are illiterate. This study ascertained the level of literacy of Igbo-Ora community and the effects on community development. Mixed methods of survey were applied. A questionnaire of 32 items was used to collect data and information on the literacy level and socio-economic development of the community. The instrument applied for the National Assessment of Adult Literacy as applied by the National Center for Education Statistics in one of its studies was modified and applied. It provided the basis for a measure of the literacy level of the sampled 25-year-olds and above. It measures the prose, document and quantitative types of literacy. The 750 copies of the questionnaire were randomly distributed and were returned and analysed via this framework. Additionally, three Baales were interviewed on the history and level of literacy of their parts of the community. The high level of illiteracy demonstrated has enormously affected the socio-economic development of the community. This study argues for sustainable literacy for sustainable development. It recommends that to enhance the literacy level, all governments must make logical guidelines, as well as improve funding for the relevant agencies of governments saddled with the execution of the mass literacy programme. Similarly, literacy-inclined groups and other related NGOs must increase their activities and drives to highlight the significance of literacy. Furthermore, the State Universal Basic Education Board must strengthen its efforts to ensure no child is left out of the mass literacy initiative. [For the full proceedings, see ED597456.]