Nigeria’s First Lady has described literacy as fundamental to national development, stressing that everyone should have access to equitable, quality education. In remarks reported by PM News, she linked basic reading and writing skills to opportunity, social inclusion and the country’s long-term progress. The comments framed literacy as a shared public priority rather than a narrow school issue, aligning education access with broader development goals.

Nigeria marked International Literacy Day on September 8, 2026, the 60th anniversary of the event, celebrated under the theme 'Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.' According to Daily Trust, the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on global progress in literacy and its links to insecurity affecting Nigeria's children, with a view to advancing literacy for all.

An opinion piece by Nkechi Christopher published in Nigeria's Tribune Online argues that literacy is a lifelong journey that begins before formal schooling and continues into adulthood. The article contends that literacy develops alongside an individual's capacity to learn, communicate, participate in society and make informed choices, framing it as essential to Nigeria's people, the planet and prosperity. The piece highlights the broader importance of literacy for national development and individual empowerment across all stages of life.

Tanzania is repositioning adult education beyond basic reading, writing and numeracy toward broader skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, according to Daily News. The shift comes as the country marks International Literacy Day and prepares for Adult Education Week. Officials say the reframed sector aims to support fuller participation in society and national development, moving away from the decades-old association of adult education with literacy alone.

The Anambra State government has welcomed a planned visit by Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, according to Punch. During the visit, she is expected to launch the National Community Food Bank Programme and commission an ICT Centre in Oko. State officials described the upcoming visit positively, hailing the initiatives as beneficial to the local community. The food bank programme is aimed at supporting residents, while the ICT Centre is intended to boost digital access and skills in the area.

Dr Olubunmi Mary Gbadewole, founder of the MaryCrown Foundation, has called for sustained empowerment of widows, the underprivileged and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria. According to Leadership, she made the remarks in Abuja at the National Stakeholders' Security Dialogue held to mark the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation. Gbadewole spoke after receiving a recognition at the event, where she stressed the importance of continued support for disadvantaged Nigerians.