§ 94. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many local mass education schemes now exist and are operating in Nigeria; how many have lapsed; whether any payments are made for services in connection with these schemes; and what special attention is being given to this type of education particularly in the northern region.
Mr. Creech JonesAt least 13 such schemes, primarily directed to the spread of literacy, have been started, and, so far as I know, are still in operation. As a general rule services are paid for. The Nigerian Government are giving every encouragement to this work and fully recognise the special needs of the northern region, where several of the schemes are operating. Following an intensive study of the subject last summer at a conference of administrative and technical officers from all territories in Africa, I have asked the Governors of all British African territories to devote the most energetic efforts to the planning and execution of programmes of mass education and community development.