[b] Yesterday, Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) collaborated with Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to host the World Read Aloud Day at UBEC headquarters, Abuja.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Dr. Bala Zakari. Also at the event was the Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Roseline Medubi amongst other staff of the commission. ULS team was led by the Country Director, Patrick Uzu, who stood in for the Chief Executive officer of the organisation.

At the event, the ES, UBEC emphasized the importance of reading and how it "helps learners to gain knowledge of vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and attention necessary vaccine for literacy." He decried that in this part of the world (Nigeria), not many of the children enjoy the experience of parents reading with a sonorous voice from storybooks to them mostly at bedtime. Adding that those with such experience can recall the imaginations, comfort, and desire for more. “These are reasons for celebrating World Read Aloud Day; to bring literacy to the world at large.”

Chief Executive of the ULS, Gary Foxcroft represented by Patrick Uzu appreciated UBEC for its role in ensuring that children learn how to read and write in the English language through their continued funding of training for teachers across the country. He mentioned that no fewer than 161,379 teachers and 6,107 officials have been trained so far in the Jolly Phonics methodology, reaching over a 13.2million children.

He announced that to complement the Jolly Phonics and build children’s comprehension skills, Universal learning Solutions has developed the Reach for the Star Readers range of affordable, high-quality books. which are simple decodable reading books formulated to support budding learners. "These simple stories, have been published and distributed to schools across Nigeria are supported by free interactive apps - Jolly Phonics Lessons App and the Reach for the Stars Readers App - to support learning beyond the classroom. These are available for free download on the Google Playstore."

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Academic Services at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Roseline Medubi expressed her appreciation to all for the continued partnership to promote literacy in our society. "We in UBEC are glad to join in building the movement of the World Read Aloud Day by hosting you here and believe that everyone should have the chance to share stories."

The high point of the event was read aloud session by the Executive Secretary represented by Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr. Bala Zakari, three children from schools in Abuja, and a panel session with Mrs. Blessing Obinatu, an Assistant Director at the Department of Academic Services, Mrs. Olubunmi Victoria Onore, a two-time nominee of Presidential Best Teacher Award, Mr. Tony Horsfall, Southern Regional Manager at Universal Learning Solutions Initiative with Mrs. Uchechi Igariwey as anchorperson.

The event ended with a session of photographs. See photos below for digest.