A United Kingdom–based National Education and Quality (Assurance) Accreditation (NEQA-UK) has pledged to revive reading culture among Nigerian students through strategic use of smartphones.
NEQA-UK’s representative in Nigeria, Dr Nwoke Uwaoma, gave the assurance during an interview with NAN in Lagos.
He said that although smartphones had become a major source of distraction for many students, the same devices could be used as effective tools for learning.
According to him, there is an urgent need to address the declining reading culture and emphasise qualitative education in Nigeria.
Uwaoma expressed concern that many graduates could barely defend their certificates.
“We will use their obsession to an advantage by bringing classroom work to them.
“Our organisation is ready to supply smartphones with customised educational apps that will capture the attention of users.
“The innovative approach includes leveraging phones and digital tools to enhance learning, with incentives designed to boost students’ commitment to reading and academic excellence,” he said.
Uwaoma reaffirmed NEQA-UK’s commitment to promoting quality education in Nigeria, assuring that the initiative would help to improve students’ interest in learning.
While emphasising the critical role of quality education in national development, he referenced Malcolm X’s iconic quote: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
He said that NEQA-UK’s presence in Nigeria through NEQA-UK-Nigeria was aimed to help to improve education quality in Nigeria by focusing on quality assurance, evaluation, measurement, and standards improvement.
“We will also hold governments and corporate bodies accountable for transparency and accountability in education,” he said.
Uwaoma added that NEQA-UK-Nigeria was open to collaboration with relevant authorities, educational institutions, and non-governmental organisations to achieve the goals.
Drawing from Prof. Norman Gronlund’s “Measurement and Evaluation in Teaching” (1976), Uwaoma emphasised the importance of effective evaluation techniques in learning.
He noted that NEQA-UK would use a combination of reference and non-reference measurement criteria to ensure qualitative education standards.
He also disclosed that NEQA-UK-Nigeria planned to partner with organisations to secure scholarships and support Nigerians pursuing further education.
The scientist and fellow of the Institute of Strategic Entrepreneurs of Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to make access to funds easier for entrepreneurs to help Nigerian youths to become self-sufficient.
“When they become well-grounded academically and acquire entrepreneurial skills, easy access to funds will be key to sustaining their business drive,” he said.