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By Paschal Njoku
The 2025 national phonics screening report by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) has shown that Nigeria achieved one of its strongest national improvements in early-grade reading.
Universal Learning Solutions is an international education not-for-profit dedicated to strengthening literacy systems through teacher training, high-impact instruction, and large-scale assessments that ensure every child learns to read.
ULS, in its report announced in Abuja on Monday, said the nationwide evaluation covered 72,127 pupils from Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) to Primary 3 across 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
Out of the 72,127 pupils, 64,576 had been taught using Jolly Phonics, Nigeria’s flagship early literacy programme implemented in all 36 States and the FCT, with support from UBEC and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).
Universal Learning Solutions stated that the assessment -Nigeria’s largest-ever early reading test confirms that systematic phonics instruction is driving nationwide gains in literacy.
Results show that Primary 1 pupils hitting the 20-word benchmark jumped from 20.9 per cent in 2021 to 35 per cent in 2025, while Primary 2 pupils achieving 30 words rose from 17.7percent in 2019 to 26.6 per cent.
Patrick Uzu, Country Director of ULS, said the results reflect the commitment of teachers nationwide.
“These results clearly show that Jolly Phonics is transforming classrooms and giving children the foundational reading skills they need to succeed.
“We celebrate every teacher who made these gains possible” Uzu said.
ULS noted that mean scores in letter-sound knowledge and word reading have risen sharply since 2019, with Primary 3 pupils nearly doubling their average reading scores.
The report showed that pupils taught with Jolly Phonics also outperformed others in both English and Hausa reading, reinforcing the programme’s impact on bilingual literacy.
ULS Chief Executive Officer, Gary Foxcroft, described the assessment as a milestone.
“This was the largest early-grade pupil assessment ever undertaken in Nigeria.
“The professionalism of monitors across 33 States and the dedication of teachers have driven real change. Nigeria should be proud, Foxcroft hinted.
On his part, CEO of Jolly Learning, Gilbert Jolly, praised the country’s alignment with global best practice.
“Nigeria is following the path of high-performing nations like Singapore and Ireland.
“These results show what is possible when Jolly Phonics is delivered at scale, Gilbert Jolly stated.
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