Oando Foundation, an independent charity established to support the Nigerian government in achieving its Universal Basic Education goal has reaffirmed its commitment to improving foundational literacy and numeracy in Nigeria with the launch of the Foundational Learning Improvement Programme (LEARNOVATE – FLIP). This pioneering initiative, in collaboration with Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA) & Hilltrust Top Foundation, leverages evidence-based methods to address the learning crisis in Nigeria and build stronger educational outcomes for pupils across four states: Ebonyi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Adamawa.
Anchored on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the LEARNOVATE – FLIP initiative integrates two methodologies taking a targeted approach to enhance inclusive and equitable quality education:
- Early Grade Reading (EGR) co-implemented by QEDA and Hilltrust Top Foundation, focuses on foundational literacy for primary 1–3 pupils in Ebonyi, Plateau, and Sokoto States. By employing mother tongue and English materials, the initiative ensures pupils build strong reading and comprehension skills.
- Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) executed in partnership with TaRL Africa, provides remedial literacy and numeracy support for primary 4–6 pupils in Adamawa State, particularly those with interrupted schooling.
Speaking on the launch of LEARNOVATE-FLIP, Tonia Uduimoh, Head, Oando Foundation commented:
“We are excited to introduce the Foundational Learning Improvement Programme as part of our LEARNOVATE strategy, in line with our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child, especially in underserved communities, has access to quality education. By incorporating evidence-based methodologies and focusing on lesson instructions and assessments in mother-tongue, we aim to address the existing learning gaps among young learners and create a deeper understanding of how to improve educational outcomes for Nigerian students. The impact of this pilot will not only inform future educational practices but will also support the achievement of the United Nations’ SDG 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Ultimately, our goal is to empower children with the foundational skills they need to succeed, contributing to the sustainable growth and development of their communities and Nigeria as a whole.”
This initiative builds on Oando Foundation's current LEARNOVATE strategy centered around improving foundational learning through innovative approaches and promoting sustainability within educational systems. A key component, LEARNING, focuses on prioritizing innovation in education to promote equity and improve learning and skills - targeting in-school children and youth. By leveraging technology and fostering partnerships, LEARNOVATE aims to bridge educational gaps and build future-ready skills and strengthen state and community structures to sustain these improvements. The program also aims to empower education officers with the capacity to create more engaging and impactful classroom experiences, ultimately ensuring a more robust and long-lasting improvement in learning outcomes.
Also commenting on the initiative, Rt Hon, Mrs. Patience Ogodo, Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ebonyi State commended Oando Foundation’s efforts, noting:
“We commend Oando Foundation for its unwavering commitment to transforming education in Nigeria. The LEARNOVATE-FLIP initiative represents a strategic and impactful response to the pressing challenges of foundational literacy and numeracy, particularly for children in underserved communities. By integrating evidence-based methodologies and prioritizing inclusive approaches such as mother-tongue assessments, this program not only improves learning outcomes but also empowers students to realize their full potential. We are proud to collaborate on this transformative journey, which reflects a shared vision of equitable access to quality education. Together, we are driving sustainable change, enriching lives, and building a more inclusive and prosperous society for future generations.
The LEARNOVATE – FLIP has commenced and will run concurrently in target states throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. With the pilot poised to deliver measurable outcomes, the Oando Foundation is setting a precedent for this pilot to serve as a compelling foundation for evidence-based advocacy, further inspiring government and private sector investments in initiatives that bolster foundational learning and educational access, all guided by the LEARNOVATE-FLIP model.