As Jolly Phonics Educators dominate summit

A primary school teacher, Blessing Samuel Ikoni, from Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State has won the Basic Education category of the National Teachers Award, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.
The award was presented in Abuja during the January 2026 National Teachers Summit, an annual platform recognising excellence, innovation, and impact in Nigeria’s education sector.

Ikoni, a certified Jolly Phonics trainer, emerged victorious after a competitive selection process that included written examinations and practical classroom demonstrations assessed by education experts and ministry officials. She had earlier advanced through the state-level screening before reaching the national stage.
Her win highlights the growing influence of structured literacy instruction in public primary schools and the dedication of teachers at the grassroots.

Ikoni currently serves as a Teacher Leader within her Local Government Education Authority, mentoring colleagues and supporting literacy development across schools.
Her background in English studies and early-grade reading instruction set her apart among contestants from across the federation.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ikoni said: “This award reflects the hard work we put into building strong literacy foundations for children, especially through the Jolly Phonics method. It motivates me to do more, support more teachers, and ensure every child becomes a confident reader and writer.”
Notably, three of the six winners in the Basic Education category were trained in Jolly Phonics, underscoring the programme’s effectiveness nationwide.

From the North-West, Bashar Hantsi, a headteacher from Argungu LGA, Kebbi State, also clinched an award, attributing his success to the literacy skills and confidence gained through Jolly Phonics training.
Similarly, Khadija Galadima, a teacher from Chanchaga LGA, Niger State, emerged as a prize winner from the North-Central zone, noting the programme had strengthened her teaching capacity and improved pupils’ reading and writing outcomes.

Education stakeholders say the strong showing of Jolly Phonics-trained teachers at the summit reinforces the importance of structured literacy approaches in Nigeria’s primary schools. With more educators receiving targeted training and national recognition, experts believe early reading and writing instruction will continue to enhance learning outcomes and nurture a generation of confident, capable learners.