Education

COVID-19: NGO Introduces Distance Learning Programme For Pupils

Published

6 years ago

April 12, 2020

The Universal Learning Solution (ULS), a UK-based non-governmental organisation , has introduced distance learning methods for pupils to learn at home while on lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Gary Foxcroft, said in a statement in Kaduna Friday that the initiative was under the NGO’s Nigerians Educate Everywhere at a Distance (NEED) project.
Foxcroft explained that the project was developed as part of ULS’s response to the Covid-19 crisis, to ensure that pupils were learning at home while schools were closed.
“As soon as school closure was announced, ULS produced 50 episodes of Jolly Phonics television and radio lessons series for Nigerian pupils.
“We have also developed free Jolly Phonics and Africa-based story reading Apps which can be assessed at http://www. jollyphonics.ng” including audio and video content.
“There are also a range of free worksheets and activities that could be downloaded to keep children occupied at home,” he said.
For families with no electricity, Foxcroft said that ULS would be sending SMS messages and a full Jolly Phonics lessons course, developed in bite-sized chunks for parents to assist their children learn at home.
He explained that the Jolly Phonics teaching strategy focused on the use of dancing, singing gestures and demonstration using the sounds of letters to help pupils learn to pronounce English words.
According to him, this fun and effective English literacy teaching method has been proven to dramatically raise early grade literacy levels in Nigeria and other countries of the world.
He said that the Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Abia, Anambra, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Ekiti States had embraced the project.
He added that the states were currently airing the jolly phonics content on a range of radio and television stations to keep pupils occupied with education activities while at home.
“We wish to implore all state government and development partners to work with us to promote Jolly Phonics distance learning programme to enable children access the right to literacy from home,” he said.
Our source reports that the chairman of Kaduna SUBEB, Abdullahi Sani, while introducing the radio learning programme, described Jolly Phonics as an “effective method” of teaching pupils on how to read.
Sani said that the method packed with fun and multi-sensory approaches using sound of letters, singing and dancing, enabled pupils learn how to read and write with confidence.
“It is packed with activities that children love, making them feel they are playing but are learning how to read English and Hausa words,” he said.

Education

UNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt Rivers state has approved a special two-year amnesty for students admitted between the 2010/2011 and 2018/2019 academic sessions who were unable to complete their programmes within the stipulated period.

This was contained in a statement by the university public relations officer,Dr Sammy Kpenu and made available to the tide over the weekend in port Harcourt.

The statement stated that eligible students are expected to submit formal applications addressed to the Vice Chancellor through their respective Heads of Department for review and necessary consideration.

The statement further stated that the approval provides a renewed opportunity for affected students to return, regularize their academic status, and successfully complete their studies.

According to the statement the amnesty also offers a fresh opportunity to students who had issues related to overstaying or other challenges that forced them to discontinue their programmes, to return and complete their academic pursuits.

The statement however said that the deadline for submission of applications end on 31st May, 2026 and therefore urge the affected students to take full advantage of the window the amnesty provided to realise their academic dreams.

Education

Education Commissioner Seeks media collaboration in Rivers

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector. Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state. According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government. Speaking on the recent appro

Education

“FPOG Bonny Deepens Learning With Hands-On Expedition to NLNG Nature Park”

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

Academic expeditions and excursions take learning beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and hands-on engagement with history, science, and nature. For the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, such outings are a strategic tool for bridging theory with practice.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Department of Science Laboratory Technology led students on an academic excursion to the NLNG Nature Park in Bonny. The team was led by the Head of Unit, Elizabeth Jumbo, alongside Ikor Peter, Usman Thaha, and Elekwachi Progress. The trip was designed to connect classroom instruction with real-life experiences.

According to the department, the excursion sought to deepen learning by linking theoretical knowledge with tangible, real-world exposure. The exercise also aimed to enhance student engagement and retention while promoting social-emotional skills such as collaboration and empathy. It further catered to diverse learning styles among the students.

Academic excursions offer clear benefits. Abstract concepts become concrete when students encounter them firsthand. A history lesson comes alive in a museum, while scientific principles are better understood in natural settings. Such interactive experiences are often more memorable than text-based learning alone.

The outings also build critical soft skills. Trips foster self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience. They broaden cultural awareness and perspective by exposing students to new environments and ideas. For many, the experience sparks curiosity, promotes empathy, and can even influence future career paths.

At its core, the goal is to make learning personal, relevant, and interactive. The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny says it is committed to providing a compass to academic excellence through active learning, consistent organization, and holistic student well-being. The SLT excursion reflects that approach in action.