The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Universal Learning Solutions (ULS), has commenced a three-day training for public primary school teachers on the use of Jolly Phonics, a globally acclaimed literacy programme.
The training, which runs from Monday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025, under UBEC’s Teachers’ Professional Development Programme, is aimed at equipping teachers with modern, interactive methods of teaching reading and writing.
Flagging off the programme, Edo SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, represented by the Board Secretary, Barr. Beatrice Oluku, said Jolly Phonics has, for nearly a decade, strengthened literacy outcomes across Edo schools. She noted that the multi-sensory, story- and song-based approach has not only boosted pupils’ ability to read and write fluently but also improved teachers’ confidence in delivering lessons.
Omonzane called for greater integration of technology, continuous learner assessment, and stronger parental involvement to make the programme more impactful.
Speaking on behalf of ULS CEO Gary Foxcroft, Country Director Patrick Uzu described Jolly Phonics as “a globally recognized brand” with a proven record of raising literacy standards. He noted that Edo’s improved reading levels reflect the programme’s quick impact and commended UBEC for supporting its nationwide rollout across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
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