This paper focuses on the problem of illiteracy in Nigeria. It takes a look at how the Nigerian
university, through its various centres and institutes, can contribute effectively by means of
community and extension services,· towards the eradication of illiteracy. It then examines the
literacy programmes run by the defunct Centre for Adult Education and Extension Services
(CAEES) of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Samaru, Zaria. The Centre was running diploma and
certificate courses and programmes before it was permanently scrapped in 1996. •
If community service is a prerequisite for the university, then it is necessary that ABU should
take another look at its programmes, especially as their absence has negative effects on illiterate
women. One of the recommendations made was the ·urgent need to review and revive the Adult
Education Section because of the huge contribution it had made in the past (and the enormous
contribution we envisage it would make in the future) towards mass and, most especially, the
women literacy programme (WLP). It was also suggested that a needs assessment survey should
be carried out so that the Centre can make provision for their various needs in order to offer them
not just basic literacy skills, but productive vocational training so that they can become skilled in
income~generating activities that would help to raise the living standard of their familie
