Niger SUBEB, ULS train 4,277 teachers, headmasters

The Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), in partnership with  the Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) through the new World Bank initiative called Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), has trained teachers, headmasters and other government officials in the state.

The initiative commenced with the training of 2,447 primary school teachers, 1,680 headmasters and 150 officials in Minna, Mokwa, Kontagora, Bida, Agaie and Suleja centres.

The beneficiaries at the three-day training were selected from 15 LGEAs and will be trained in specialist literacy teaching practices called ‘synthetic phonics’.

Senior Project Manager of ULS, Mr Vic Poluektoff, said the training will equip teachers with the expertise and tools required to enable them to improve reading and writing skills in English of primary 1 pupils in government schools across the state.

Jolly Phonics is a fun and interactive teaching tool that uses the synthetic phonics literacy teaching methodology.

He said synthetic phonics is mandated or recommended by governments around the world because of the way it quickly provides children with the skills needed to read and write.

ULS Projects Director Dr. Louise Gittins said: “The Niger State Jolly Phonics project is well embedded in the hearts and minds of Niger teachers. The project is set to expand to reach more Niger teachers this year with BESDA initiative.”

Also, ULS’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Foxcroft, commended UBEC, saying it has recognised the tremendous impact that Jolly Phonics has been having on literacy levels in Nigeria’s government schools and have taken it as one of their flagship programmes.

“This has helped us to initiate new projects across the country. Jolly Phonics is now being taught in all 36 states and the FCT. This is truly amazing and will help to improve the reading and writing abilities of over 3.5 million children over the next two years,” he added.