Nigerian Delegation Explores Liberia’s Accelerated Learning Program, Eyes Collaboration

Nigerian Delegation Explores Liberia’s Accelerated Learning Program, Eyes Collaboration

MONROVIA, Nov. 19 (LINA) – A high-level delegation from Nigeria, led by Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education at Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education, is in Liberia to study the country's Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) and explore collaborative strategies to address shared educational challenges.

The visit, detailed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Monday, November 18, 2024, aimed to gain insights into the ALP, a flagship initiative designed to provide educational opportunities to out-of-school children.

The program has garnered recognition for its focus on improving foundational literacy and creating pathways for marginalized children to access equal education.

According to the statement, during the delegation’s study tour, Dr. Olatunji-David praised Liberia’s innovative approach, describing the ALP as a model for addressing the pressing issue of out-of-school children, a challenge also prevalent in Nigeria.

She extended congratulations to Liberia’s new Minister of Education, Madam Jarso Maley Jallah, for her leadership in expanding access to education through the ALP.

"The program’s inclusive approach ensures that children who have missed formal schooling can catch up through flexible and non-traditional methods," said Dr. Olatunji-David.

She highlighted Nigeria’s Direct Outreach for Teachers (DOT) policy as a complementary initiative aimed at tackling similar issues in her country.

Meanwhile, the statement also stated that Minister Jallah warmly welcomed the Nigerian delegation, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange in advancing education systems across both nations, and acknowledged the shared challenges faced by Liberia and Nigeria, particularly in reducing the number of out-of-school children.

“Access to quality education is critical to Liberia’s development. Partnerships like this offer opportunities for mutual learning and innovative solutions,” Minister Jallah stated.

The MOE boss called for a collective effort involving governments, civil society, international partners, and local communities to address the root causes of educational exclusion.

She also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria in creating strategies to improve education access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The statement indicated that the visit concluded with both nations pledging continued cooperation in the field of education, citing that the Nigerian delegation expressed optimism about applying lessons from Liberia’s ALP to similar programs in Nigeria, while Liberia’s Ministry of Education highlighted the potential for future bilateral exchanges to further strengthen ties.