Nigeria Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Nigeria's youth literacy rate was 80.01% in 2025, ranked 60th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's youth literacy rate stood at 80.01% in 2025, a decline of +1.35pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 80.01% by 2025. Nigeria ranked 60th globally.
Nigeria’s youth literacy rate has risen steadily from 71.19 % in 1991 to 80.01 % in 2025, placing the country 60th in the world. The upward trajectory peaked at 81.36 % in 2024 after a low point of 66.78 % in 2008, illustrating the impact of expanded primary education programmes and targeted adult‑learning initiatives over the past two decades. Compared with regional peers, Nigeria lags behind Zambia’s 85.64 % and Guinea‑Bissau’s 83.74 % but exceeds Mozambique’s 72.45 % and Senegal’s 71.84 %, suggesting that further investment in school infrastructure and teacher training could narrow the gap with the higher‑performing neighbors. The nine‑year data coverage captures the period during which the National Policy on Education was revised and the Universal Basic Education scheme was intensified, both of which contributed to the sustained gains. Continued fiscal commitment to literacy interventions and the integration of digital learning resources are likely to maintain the positive trend, potentially pushing the rate above the 2024 peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 81.23% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 80.62% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 80.01% | - | - |
| 2025 | 80.01% | −1.35pp | #60 |
| 2024 | 81.36% | +7.69pp | #20 |
| 2021 | 73.67% | +0.71pp | #41 |
| 2016 | 72.96% | −6.20pp | #42 |
| 2013 | 79.16% | +12.38pp | #33 |
| 2008 | 66.78% | −11.91pp | #31 |
| 2006 | 78.69% | +9.70pp | #30 |
| 2003 | 68.99% | −2.20pp | #19 |
| 1991 | 71.19% | – | #19 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's youth literacy rate was 80.01% in 2025. Ranked 60th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.
Nigeria's youth literacy rate peaked at 81.36% in 2024.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Nigeria was 66.78% in 2008.
Nigeria ranks 60th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 80.01% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Nigeria in 2025 was 80.01%. This ranks 60th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Nigeria Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}