Illiteracy – JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Illiteracy is the inability to read and write a simple sentence in any language. It is a common social problem in Nigeria. Its main causes are poverty, the wish to make money quickly, loss of breadwinners, society’s traditions and inconsistent educational policies. Free education and mass literacy campaigns can help reduce it.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define illiteracy;
• state five causes of illiteracy;
• list four consequences of illiteracy;
• suggest ways of reducing illiteracy in Nigeria.

What is illiteracy?

According to the United Nations (U.N), illiteracy is the inability to read and write a simple sentence in any language. Illiteracy is a common social problem in Nigeria. Various administrations have been fighting it through their policies and looking for ways to eradicate it.

For instance, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1955 initiated the Universal Primary Education (UPE), making it compulsory for every child in the then Western Nigeria to go through primary education.

What are the causes of illiteracy?

1. Poverty: This is a major cause of illiteracy. Many families are unable to send their children to school because they lack funds.
2. Crave for wealth: To many youths, going to school is a waste of time. They believe that the essence of education is to make money, so they would rather go into business and learn how to get rich faster.
3. Loss of breadwinners: Some children could not go to school because the person sponsoring them died. Many drop out due to lack of funds.
4. Traditions and values of the society: In some societies, the girl-child is not given much importance compared to the male child. Hence, she is made not to attend school. Also, some societies see education as a threat to their customs and traditions.
5. Inconsistent educational policies: Political instability causes constant change in educational policies. Some regimes have good plans, while others are often unconcerned about education.

What are the consequences of illiteracy?

1. It breeds an inferiority complex: When illiterates are in the midst of educated people, they could feel inferior because they cannot relate well with them.
2. It may lead to complete ignorance: Illiteracy might deny them the opportunity to read vital information about many issues that can positively affect them.
3. It often breeds poverty and crime: Because of his inability to read and write well, a person might not be able to get a good job, and may earn low pay. When this happens, he may venture into armed robbery.
4. It can cause misfortunes: Many illiterates fall into avoidable troubles. Because they cannot relate effectively, they are often duped of their fortunes when they seek help in completing bank documents.

How can illiteracy be reduced?

1. Free education at all levels.
2. Mass literacy campaign.
3. Consistent government policies.
4. The government should provide more funds to the education sector.
5. All children should have equal access to education.
6. The government should encourage technical and vocational skills in schools.

Evaluation

1. What is illiteracy?
2. Mention three causes of illiteracy.
3. State three consequences of illiteracy.

Assignment

Explain any two ways by which the government can reduce illiteracy in Nigeria.