United Kingdom–based National Education and Quality (Assurance) Accreditation (NEQA-UK) has pledged to revive reading culture among Nigerian students through the strategic use of smartphones.
NEQA-UK’s representative in Nigeria, Dr Nwoke Uwaoma, gave the assurance during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (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 declining reading culture in the country.
“We are going to use their obsession to an advantage by bringing classroom work to them,” he said.
He also urged more qualitative education in Nigerian institutions.
Uwaoma expressed concern that some graduates could barely defend their certificates.
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 aimed to have strong presence in Nigeria with focus on education assurance, evaluation, measurement, and standards improvement.
“We will hold government and corporate bodies accountable for transparency and accountability in education.”
Uwaoma added that NEQA-UK would be 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 said that NEQA-UK would use a combination of reference and non-reference measurement criteria to ensure qualitative education.
He also disclosed that the organisation planned to secure scholarships for Nigerians and partner with organisations to improve education quality.
“The innovative approaches include leveraging phones and digital tools to enhance learning, with incentives designed to boost students’ commitment to reading and academic excellence.”
Uwaoma hoped that the initiative would help to restore students’ interest in reading and learning.
The scientist and Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Entrepreneurs of Nigeria urged the Federal Government to make access to funds easier for entrepreneurs to enable more youths to become self-reliant.
“When they become well-grounded academically and use entrepreneurial skills gained from university and the National Youth Service Scheme, easy access to funds will be key to sustaining their business drives,” he said.
