Learning crisis: UBEC commences implementation of early grade reading programme in schools

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

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. As a result, many children are experiencing learning poverty, with an estimated 70 per cent of Nigerian children falling under this category, varying from state to state.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, speaking on Thursday in Abuja, however, expressed the determination of the current administration 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) Professor 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.

“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 the effective education service delivery as well as the overall development and future prosperity of our nation.

“UBEC’s institution of the Result-Based Financing (RBF) model for supporting Early Grade Reading activities in 13 pilot States is a strategic intervention aimed at reversing the earlier referenced unacceptable trend where our children are unable to read or comprehend basic literature that is commensurate with their age,” he said.

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 reiterated the fact that the success of this programme depends largely on the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) who are at the forefront of its implementation.

He, therefore, tasked the executive chairmen of SUBEBs, Coordinating Director as well as the EGR Desk Officer to collectively take responsibility for ensuring that the objectives of the EGR are fully met and that every child receives the support they need to develop strong reading skills in their early years.

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

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