Prof. Ismail Junaidu, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) officially flagged off the workshop on the Development of a National Assessment Framework for Reading. Organized by the Northern Education Initiative Plus in collaboration with NERDC and other partners ( National Commission for Colleges of Education – NCCE, National Teachers Institute- NTI, The Reading and Numeracy Activity- RANA, Federal Ministry of Education- FMoE), had in attendance participants drawn from the Nine (9) Network Nigerian Languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Izon, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Tiv, and Edo) and English language.
In his opening remark, Prof. Junaidu said, “The ability to read is the cornerstone of a child’s education and progress in life”. The main objectives of this workshop were to develop a national evaluation framework for reading and develop technical specifications for the type of text pupils should be able to read fluently at the end of primary 1-6. The National Reading Framework(NRF) is been designed to fit into the diverse Nigerian cultural context.
“The National Reading Framework we have in mind is one that is realistic, practical and implementable within the peculiarities of our national context”, emphasized Prof. Junaidu.
Teachers are fundamental to improving learning outcomes and consequently vital in designing contents that are tailored towards meeting the learning needs of students. The Chief of Party for NEI Plus, Dr. Jordene Hale, while welcoming participants, said that the workshop is strategic in that it is working with real teachers to develop benchmarks and text level competencies to help the country create and continuously develop the right curriculum for teaching reading. At the workshop, led by Norma Evans, an Internationally recognized Reading expert, reading experts, linguists, primary school teachers, and policy experts worked together in ten different language groups.
Having a framework for reading will enhance effective learning and help to strengthen the educational system in Nigeria.
written by Adebisi Adetunji
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