Female literacy rate in Nigeria is among the highest in West Africa. However, the difference between male and female literacy rates are substantial in both urban and rural areas. As of 2018, the rate among men living in rural areas of Nigeria reached roughly 60 percent, whereas female literacy rates in the same areas was 35 percent. The gap in urban Nigeria amounted to about ten percentage points.

In West Africa, the highest female literacy rates were registered in Cabo Verde and Ghana, while Nigeria ranked third.

Adult literacy rate of Nigeria improved by 1.84% from 62.0 % in 2018 to 63.2 % in 2021. Since the 27.03% slump in 2008, adult literacy rate shot up by 23.65% in 2021. Adult (15+) literacy rate (%). Total is the percentage of the population age 15 and above who can, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life. Generally, ‘literacy’ also encompasses ‘numeracy’, the ability to make simple arithmetic calculations. This indicator is calculated by dividing the number of literates aged 15 years and over by the corresponding age group population and multiplying the result by 100.

Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth: % of People Age 15-24 data was reported at 66.384 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 68.994 % for 2003. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth: % of People Age 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 68.994 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2008, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 71.189 % in 1991 and a record low of 66.384 % in 2008. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth: % of People Age 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Education Statistics. Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

The highest literacy rates in Nigeria were registered in the southern regions of the country. In the South West, 89 percent of males and 80.6 percent of females were literate as of 2018. Also, the south zones showed the lowest percentage differences between male and female literacy. Female literacy rate in Nigeria is among the highest in West Africa. The highest female literacy rates were registered in Cabo Verde and Ghana, while Nigeria ranked third.

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in Nigeria was reported at 70.41 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth Female: % of Females Aged 15-24 data was reported at 57.954 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 60.509 % for 2003. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth Female: % of Females Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 60.509 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2008, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 62.488 % in 1991 and a record low of 57.954 % in 2008. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth Female: % of Females Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Education Statistics. Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

Graph and download economic data for Literacy Rate, Adult Total for Nigeria (SEADTLITRZSNGA) from 1991 to 2024 about Nigeria, literacy, adult, and rate.

Literacy rate, youth female (% of females ages 15-24) in Nigeria was reported at 81.43 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Literacy rate, youth female (% of females ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult Female: % of Females Aged 15 and Above data was reported at 41.387 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 43.322 % for 2003. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult Female: % of Females Aged 15 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 43.322 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2008, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 43.729 % in 1991 and a record low of 41.387 % in 2008. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult Female: % of Females Aged 15 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Education Statistics. Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

View yearly updates and historical trends for Nigeria Adult Literacy Rate. Source: World Bank. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

Literacy rate, adult male (% of males ages 15 and above) in Nigeria was reported at 78.43 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Literacy rate, adult male (% of males ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult Male: % of Males Aged 15 and Above data was reported at 61.254 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 66.767 % for 2003. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult Male: % of Males Aged 15 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 66.767 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2008, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 67.654 % in 1991 and a record low of 61.254 % in 2008. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult Male: % of Males Aged 15 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Education Statistics. Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

Abstract

Though the National Bureau of Statistics generates youth and adult literacy data regularly on annual basis, the survey was conducted with a wider scope to complement the existing data on literacy in Nigeria. The main purpose of the survey was to determine the magnitude, levels and distribution of adult literacy and obtain comprehensive data and information with a view identifying issues of concern, which need to be addressed in the promotion of adult literacy in Nigeria. Underlying this is the fact that literacy is fundamental to information dissemination, socio-economic development and poverty alleviation among others. It was the first attempt to carry out a stand alone survey on Literacy Survey Nigeria.

The objectives of the 2009 National Literacy Survey were to: - Determine the magnitude, level and distribution of mass literacy (persons aged 15 year and above) - Obtain comprehensive data and information on mass literacy from literacy providers and stakeholders in both private and public sectors - Identify issues of concern which need to be addressed in the promotion of mass literacy in the country - Determine the number of persons aged 6 – 14 that are out of school - Ascertain number of persons mainstreaming from non-formal to formal education or vice versa

Geographic coverage

The survey will cover all the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Both urban and rural areas will be canvassed

Analysis unit

Household level

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

2.1 Sample Design 2.1.1 Introduction of NISH Design 1993/99

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 1999 was run as a module of the National Integrated Survey of Households (NISH) design. NISH is the Nigerian version of the United Nations National Household Survey Capability Programme and is a multi-subject household based survey system. It is an ongoing programme of household based surveys enquiring into various aspects of households, including housing, health, education and employment. The programme started in 1981 after a pilot study in 1980. The design utilizes a probability sample drawn using a random sampling method at the national and sub-national levels.

The main features of the NISH design are:

Multi-Phase Sampling: In each state 800 EAs were selected with equal probability as first phase samples. A second phase sample of 200 EAs was selected with probability proportional to size.

Multi-Stage Sampling Design: A two-stage design was used. Enumeration Areas were used as the first stage sampling units and Housing Units (HUs) as the second stage sampling units.

Replicated Rotatable Design: Two hundred EAs were selected in each state in 10 independent replicates of 20 EAs per replicate. A rotation was imposed which ensured 6 replicates to be studied each survey year but in subsequent year a replicate is dropped for a new one, that is, a rotation of 1/6 was applied. This means in a survey year, 120 EAs will be covered in each state. In the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), 60 EAs are covered.

Master Sample: The EAs and HUs selected constitute the Master Sample and subsets were taken for various surveys depending on the nature of the survey and the sample size desired. In any one-year, the 120 EAs are randomly allocated to the 12 months of the year for the survey. The General Household Survey (GHS) is the core module of NISH. Thus, every month 10 EAs are covered for the GHS. For other supplemental modules of NISH, subsets of the master sample are used. The MICS 1999 was run as a module of NISH.

2.1.2 Sample Size

The global MICS design anticipated a sample of 300-500 households per district (domain). This was based on the assumption of a cluster design with design effect of about 2, an average household size of 6, children below the age of 5 years constituting 15 percent of the population and a diarrhoea prevalence of 25 percent. Such a sample would give estimates with an error margin of about 0.1 at the district level. Such a sample would usually come from about 10 clusters of 40 to 50 households per cluster.

In Nigeria, the parameters are similar to the scenario described above. Average household size varied from 3.0 to 5.6 among the states, with a national average of about 5.5. Similarly, children below 5 years constituted between 15-16 percent of total population. Diarrhoea prevalence had been estimated at about 15 percent. These figures have led to sample sizes of between 450 and 660 for each state.

It was decided that a uniform sample of 600 households per state be chosen for the survey. Although non-response, estimated at about 5 percent from previous surveys reduced the sample further, most states had 550 or more households. The MICS sample was drawn from the National Master Sample for the 1998/99 NISH programme implemented by the Federal Office of Statistics (FOS).

The sample was drawn from 30 EAs in each state with a sub-sample of 20 households selected per EA. The design was more efficient than the global MICS design which anticipated a cluster sub-sample size of 40-50 households per cluster. Usually, when the sub-sample size was reduced by half and the number of clusters doubled, a reduction of at least 20 percent in the design effect was achieved. This was derived from DEFF = 1 + (m-1) rho where m is sub-sample size and rho is intra-class correlation. Therefore, the design effect for the Nigerian MICS was about 1.6 instead of 2. This means that for the same size of 600 households, the error margin was reduced by about 10 percent, but where the sample was less than 600 the expected error margin would be achieved.

It should be noted that sampling was based on the former 30 states plus a Federal Capital Territory administrative structure [there are now 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory].

2.1.3 Selection of Households

The global design anticipated either the segmenting of clusters into small areas of approximate 40-45 households and randomly selecting one so that all households within such area was covered or using the random walk procedure in the cluster to select the 40-45 households. Neither of the two procedures was employed. For the segmentation method, it was not difficult to see that the clustering effect could be increased, since, in general, the smaller the cluster the greater the design effect. With such a system, DEFF would be higher than 2, even if minimally. The random walk method, on the other hand, could be affected by enumerator bias, which would be difficult to control and not easily measurable.

For NISH surveys, the listing of all housing units in the selected EAs was first carried out to provide a frame for the sub-sampling. Systematic random sampling was thereafter used to select the sample of housing units. The GHS used a sub-sample of 10 housing units but since the MICS required 20 households, another supplementary sample of 10 housing units was selected and added to the GHS sample. All households in the sample housing units were interviewed, as previous surveys have shown that a housing unit generally contained one household.

Sampling deviation

There were no deviation from sample design

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The study used various instruments to collect the data. Apart from the main questionnaire that was developed for the survey and targeted the households and individuals, there were other instruments for the conduct of the assessment tests. The main questionnaire was structured in English Language but the interviewers were trained to translate and conduct the interview in local languages.

The questionnaire contains nine parts (A - I). Part A: Identification information Part B: Socio demographic background (all members) Part C: Educational attainment
Part D: Educational attainment
Part E: Literacy in english
Part F: Literacy in any other language Part G: Literacy in english Part H: Literacy in any other language Part I: Knowledge and accessibility of literacy programme

Cleaning operations

The 2009 National Literacy Survey data was processed in 4 stages namely, manual editing and coding, data entry, data cleaning and tabulation.

• Manual Processing - Completed questionnaires started arriving at the NBS headquarters two weeks after training from the states. Manual processing started with the development of editing/coding guidelines which were used to train the officers on manual editing. Development of data entry programme; data entry and editing and tabulation. Census and Surveys Processing System (CSPro) software were used for data entry, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Census and Surveys Processing System (CSPro) for editing and a combination of SPSS, Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) and EXCEL for table generation.

The guidelines include errors that could be found in the completed questionnaires and how they could be corrected. These likely errors include omissions, inconsistencies, unreasonable entries, impossible entries, double entries, transcription errors and others found in the questionnaires. 10 officers were selected as editors, while 20 data entry staff were used in addition to 3 programers.

• Data Entry - The data entry was done manually, using the following steps: 1) Questionnaire reception 2) Office editing and coding 3) Data entry 4) Structure and completeness checking 5) Verification entry 6) Comparison of verification data 7) Back up of raw data 8) Secondary editing 9) Edited data back up After all clusters are processed, all data is concatenated together and then the following steps are completed for all data

Literacy rate, youth (ages 15-24), gender parity index (GPI) in Nigeria was reported at 0.8878 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Ratio of young literate females to males (% ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult: % of People Aged 15 and Above data was reported at 51.078 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 54.773 % for 2003. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult: % of People Aged 15 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 54.773 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2008, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 55.447 % in 1991 and a record low of 51.078 % in 2008. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Adult: % of People Aged 15 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Education Statistics. Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth Male: % of Males Aged 15-24 data was reported at 75.566 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 78.128 % for 2003. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth Male: % of Males Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 78.128 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2008, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 81.356 % in 1991 and a record low of 75.566 % in 2008. Nigeria NG: Literacy Rate: Youth Male: % of Males Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Education Statistics. Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a safe-space based life skills training program and a combination of life skills and digital literacy training programs on adolescent girls’ empowerment, education, economic, and reproductive health outcomes. The interventions form two sub-components of the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment project. The sample covered randomly selected secondary school girls between the ages of 15 and 20 in rural and semi-urban schools that were eligible for the safe space-based life skills and digital skills trainings. The baseline data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 8,223 adolescents, 8,007 caregivers, and 270 school principals across Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States. The field data collection occurred simultaneously across the three States and lasted for 44 days between April and June, 2023. Enumerators collected data with tablets containing programmed questionnaires on SurveyCTO platform.

Geographic coverage

The study sample is comprised of senior secondary 1st year adolescent girls, their caregivers, and school principals from Kaduna (28%), Kano (32%), and Katsina (40%) in Nigeria.

Analysis unit

Individual, schools

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Personal Interview [capi]

Research instrument

The AGILE Adolescent, Caregiver and School questionnaires are provided for download as supporting documentation for the data.

Literacy rate, youth male (% of males ages 15-24) in Nigeria was reported at 81.31 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Literacy rate, youth male (% of males ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes (%) in Nigeria was reported at 28.29 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

The literacy rate among females in Cabo Verde reached 82 percent. Cabo Verde represented the West African country in which the literacy rate among women aged 15 years and over was the highest. On the contrary, the literacy rate in Chad equaled to 14 percent of female adults, the lowest figure in West Africa.