Literacy: A Veritable Tool for Improving Livelihood in Nigeria

The concept “literacy” may seem very simple to the understanding of every individual, but it has proved to be complex, dynamic and continued to be defined and interpreted in various ways. Livelihood on the other hand, goes beyond poverty eradication and stretches to factors and processes that could enhance or hinder individual’s ability to make a living. This paper gives a brief historical overview of literacy in Nigeria and clarified relevant concepts. It examined how literacy could be a veritable tool for improving livelihood. Some challenges were identified by the paper while advocating for increase in the provision of more relevant literacy programmes to affect livelihood as well as other literacy needs of the people.