Universal Learning Solutions Strengthens Partnership with NCCE to Advance Synthetic Phonics in Nigeria

George Okoh in Makurdi

Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) with long-standing partnership with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is to Advance Synthetic Phonics in Nigeria.

 It reaffirmed its efforts to strengthen reading instruction across Nigeria’s Colleges of Education with the signing of the reviewed Memorandum of Understanding by ULS Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Gary Foxcroft and NCCE Executive Secretary – Professor Paulinus Okwelle on Monday

This was revealed by Foxcroft in Makurdi in a press statement.

The collaboration, which began in 2013, reflects a shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes through structured and evidence-based approaches to reading instruction.

The partnership in 2013 saw to the training of directors and desk officers across various units of the commission in the skills of Synthetic Phonics using the Jolly Phonics programme.

The goal was to build internal capacity and align national teacher education standards with effective early reading methodologies.

He said in 2016, a pilot of the programme was undertaken in which academics and students from 6 colleges across the 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria participated.

“This large-scale professional development initiative equipped teacher educators with practical skills in Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP), ensuring that future teachers would be trained using globally recognized best practices in early literacy instruction like Jolly Phonics programme – an evidence-based, child-centred structured pedagogy method of teaching literacy through synthetic phonics,” he said.

He added that in 2016, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NCCE and ULS.

The partnership also extended to collaboration on the review of minimum standards, ensuring that phonics-based reading instruction was embedded within national teacher education frameworks.

His words: “Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond In 2025, ULS has proposed a renewed phase of collaboration, working with the Committee of Provosts to further strengthen the capacity of academics in Colleges of Education.”

The proposed initiative focuses on deepening expertise in Synthetic Phonics to improve how reading is taught to students within the colleges. This next phase aims to reinforce quality teacher preparation, promote consistency in literacy instruction, and contribute to sustainable improvements in reading outcomes nation-wide. A Shared Vision for Literacy Excellence Over the past decade, the partnership between ULS and NCCE has demonstrated the power of institutional collaboration in driving educational reform.

By investing in teacher educators and aligning with national standards, the initiative supports long-term transformation in how reading is taught across Nigeria. As literacy remains a foundational skill for national development, both institutions remain committed to strengthening teacher preparation systems and ensuring that every child has access to effective reading instruction.

Gary Foxcroft thanked the Executive Secretary for his strong leadership and the long-standing commitment and collaboration of the NCCE team in bringing about the positive changes, while the ES – Professor Paulinus Okwelle – wished this partnership further successes in impacting the teachers’ education.