EMPOWERING VOICES: COMMUNITY-BASED STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING LITERACY IN NIGERIAN EDUCATION

Abstract

Literacy, a cornerstone of societal participation, embodies the ability to navigate and engage effectively within the contours of a given community. Defined by Essien (2005) as the proficiency in reading and writing within a language framework, literacy transcends mere linguistic competence, extending to encompass multifaceted skills requisite for modern communication. This paper endeavors to elucidate the evolving dimensions of literacy, emphasizing its pivotal role in conferring access to societal power structures. Acknowledging the contextual variability in defining literacy standards across diverse societies, the paper underscores the dynamic nature of literacy paradigms. Moreover, it explores the contemporary expansion of literacy to encompass proficiencies in digital communication, encompassing computer literacy, basic numeracy, and multimedia literacy. By delving into these expanded dimensions, the paper seeks to foster a nuanced understanding of literacy that reflects the complexities of modern communication landscapes.