UBEC commences early grade reading to tackle learning crisis

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has taken a bold step in addressing learning crisis in schools through implementation of the Early Grade Reading (EGR) programme in basic education.

A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on learning crisis, indicated that more than 70 per cent of Nigerian children are suffering from learning poverty.

This, it noted, is the inability of a 10-year-old to read or understand a simple sentence or solve basic numeracy problem.
According to UNICEF, “research has shown that schooling does not always result in learning. Many children, even if in school, are not learning fundamental skills required for proficiency.”

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, however, expressed the commission’s determination to reverse the ugly trend by enhancing foundational literacy in the basic education sub-sector.

Bobboyi, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) Prof. Bala Zakari, spoke at one-day sensitisation meeting with 13 pilot states on the implementation of the result-based financing (RBF) of Early Grade Reading (EGR).

He noted that reading proficiency at an early age is a key indicator of the prospects of future academic success, and the fact that the ability to read serves as the foundation upon which all other learning is built.

He said: “Despite this globally acknowledged ideal, recent studies have shown that a significant number of children in Nigeria, particularly in the early grades, struggle to achieve the basics of reading and comprehension.

“The absence of these basic skills at an appropriate age presents a serious challenge, not just for individual learning outcomes, but also effective education service delivery as well as the overall development and future prosperity of our nation.”

Bobboyi noted that the RBF model for supporting early grade reading activities in 13 pilot states is a strategic intervention aimed at reversing the trend where children are unable to read or comprehend basic literature commensurate with their age.

According to him, UBEC through this intervention would provide funding support, not only for routine activities but for evidence-based improvements in early grade reading outcomes.

Bobboyi emphasised the important role of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in the success of the programme and solicited their cooperation.

Director, Social mobilisation, Dr Ossom Ossom, in his opening remarks, commended USAID Learn to Read, for providing the technical assistance for the early grade reading initiative.