‘77% of Children in Adamawa Cannot read in Any Language’

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The United States Agency for International Development has said that 77 per cent of children in Adamawa cannot read in any language and this might lead to an increase in number of school drop outs.

USAID also signed an agreement of 801,000 dollars with the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola to improve access to education services for internally displaced persons in Adamawa.

Ms Maria Brewer, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy said “Last year, the U.S. Government, through USAID, awarded 100,000 dollars to AUN to provide humanitarian assistance to children of displaced families in Yola.

“AUN has been a good partner in that endeavour. In the spirit of partnership, it is my pleasure to witness today the signing of this agreement to provide an additional 801,000 dollars.

“This programme will not be limited only to schools serving the children in and around Yola.

“It will also support displaced children from other communities who have sought shelter in this community.”

The U.S. official expressed regret that 77 per cent of children in Adamawa could not read at all in any language.

“According to the 2010 National Education Data Survey, more than 53 per cent of Nigerian children between the age of five and 16 cannot read a single sentence in their native language.

“When children struggle to read, they are unable to build a foundation for learning other subjects. Many who struggle will simply drop out of school.

“The results for Adamawa were even more disheartening. Surveys show that 77 per cent of children in the state could not read at all in any language.

“With well trained teachers, books and other teaching materials, students’ reading scores can double or triple that of their peers who lack proper instruction.”

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