The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), on Monday, received international recognition in London for its outstanding contribution to advancing foundational literacy education across the state.

Education stakeholders hailed the state’s reforms under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, attributing the achievements to his commitment to education reforms, teacher development and evidence-based learning interventions.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to raising learning standards and ensuring that investments in teacher capacity continue to translate into improved outcomes for pupils across Benue.

Hosted by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS), the event brought together senior education leaders, policymakers, academics and literacy experts from the United Kingdom and Africa to showcase evidence-based approaches to improving children’s reading outcomes and celebrate exemplary leadership in education reform.

Adagba reaffirmed Benue State’s commitment to raising learning standards and ensuring that investments in teacher capacity continue to translate into improved outcomes for learners across the state.

She said Benue remains committed to providing every child with the opportunity to acquire strong foundational literacy skills through sustained investment in teacher development and evidence-based instructional methods.

Education leaders at the forum commended the progress recorded under Governor Alia’s administration, attributing the achievements to his commitment to education reforms, teacher development and the adoption of evidence-based learning interventions.

According to the stakeholders, the governor’s sustained investment in education has created an enabling environment for innovation, improved teaching quality and better learning outcomes across the state.

Universal Learning Solutions paid tribute to both Governor Alia and Dr Adagba for their shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality foundational literacy.

Adagba said: “Strong political leadership combined with exceptional technical leadership is what transforms education systems. Benue State has demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving children’s life chances through investment in teachers and evidence-based literacy instruction.”

Commending the state’s efforts, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, described Dr. Adagba as an exceptional advocate for foundational learning.

He said the partnership between ULS and Benue State has strengthened foundational literacy through the implementation of the internationally recognised Jolly Phonics programme.

Foxcroft said: “Universal Learning Solutions has worked in partnership with Benue State to strengthen foundational literacy through the implementation of the internationally recognised Jolly Phonics programme.

“This partnership has equipped thousands of teachers with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality phonics instruction, helping more children learn to read successfully during their earliest years of schooling.

“Building on the success of this collaboration, Universal Learning Solutions has announced its intention to significantly expand its partnership with Benue State through a major new phase of teacher professional development.

“As part of this next phase, Benue State and Universal Learning Solutions will work together to train a further 9,000+ teachers in Jolly Phonics, laying the foundation for the next stage of educational transformation across the state.

“Through high-quality training, mentoring and ongoing classroom support, the initiative will strengthen teaching practice, improve literacy outcomes and ensure even more children gain the essential reading skills they need to succeed.

“The expanded programme will support Governor Alia’s vision for education transformation by ensuring that every teacher has access to high-quality professional development and every child has the opportunity to acquire strong foundational reading skills.”

Universal Learning Solutions expressed its appreciation to the Benue State Government and SUBEB for their continued trust and partnership, noting that the next phase of collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundations already established and create lasting change for future generations of children.