The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has described Nigeria’s literacy crisis as a “national emergency,” unveiling a month-long campaign to highlight the issue.
The Back-to-School Advocacy and Humanitarian Campaign, which runs from September 8 to October 8 2025, was launched by NAS Cap’n Dr Joseph Oteri. He cited UNICEF and UNESCO data showing that more than 18.3 million Nigerian children and adolescents are currently out of school – the highest figure globally, accounting for one in every five out-of-school children worldwide.
“This crisis severely hampers Nigeria’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in education, poverty reduction, gender equality, and reducing inequalities,” Oteri said.
He also warned that without urgent reforms, the country risks raising “a generation of digitally illiterate citizens in a world driven by knowledge and innovation.”
NAS outlined a six-point plan to address the crisis, including increased education funding, strict enforcement of compulsory basic education policies, digital inclusion through ICT hubs, school feeding and scholarships, collaboration with NGOs and the private sector, and stronger accountability measures. “Every child left uneducated today becomes a burden on society tomorrow,” Oteri added.
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