Ogun SUBEB chairman advocates phonics to boost literacy in public primary schools

As part of efforts to improve literacy outcomes in public primary schools across Ogun State, the Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, has identified phonics as a key teaching method for enhancing pupils’ reading and communication skills.

Evangelist Ifede made the recommendation during a one-day phonics training programme organised by SUBEB for primary school teachers in Ikenne Local Government Education Authority (LGEA). The training, held at Ansar-Ur-Deen Primary School, Ikenne, was aimed at strengthening learners’ reading, writing and speaking abilities across the education zone.

The SUBEB chairman described effective phonics instruction as the foundation of early literacy development, urging teachers to apply the practical techniques acquired during the training in their classrooms.

He encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of phonics and adopt learner-friendly teaching methods that would significantly improve literacy outcomes among pupils.

Evangelist Ifede also appealed to teachers to maximise the training opportunity to enhance their professional capacity and better support learners in developing strong literacy skills. He further advised other education stakeholders to organise similar capacity-building programmes in support of the state government’s education development initiatives.

In his remarks, the SUBEB Board Secretary, Mr Olubori Akinleye, commended the chairman for sponsoring the training programme and urged participants to effectively apply the knowledge gained and cascade it to their colleagues for the overall benefit of the education sector.

Also speaking, the resource person, Mrs Bamidele Kehinde, highlighted the importance of using visual aids such as charts and diagrams to make phonics lessons more engaging. She recommended teaching phonics in stages to aid learners’ comprehension and shared practical strategies for correct pronunciation and interactive classroom learning.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Headteacher of African Church Bethel Primary School, Iperu, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogunfodunrin, alongside a teacher from Saints Saviour Anglican Primary School II, Ikenne, Mrs Aina Sowale, expressed appreciation to SUBEB for organising the training.

They noted that proper implementation of the phonics techniques would significantly enhance pupils’ ability to read, write and communicate effectively.