NEQA-UK Plans to Boost Reading Culture Among Nigerian Students Using Smartphones

By Kevin Okunzuwa, Lagos, Dec. 23, 2025 (NAN): The United Kingdom–based National Education and Quality (Assurance) Accreditation (NEQA-UK) has announced plans to revive the declining reading culture among Nigerian students by strategically using smartphones as learning tools.

Dr. Nwoke Uwaoma, NEQA-UK’s representative in Nigeria, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Uwaoma said that although smartphones had become a major source of distraction for students, the devices could also be harnessed effectively to promote learning and academic engagement.

“There is an urgent need to address the 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 called for improved quality of education in Nigerian institutions, expressing concern that some graduates were unable to adequately defend their certificates.

Emphasising the importance of education to national development, Uwaoma cited Malcolm X’s famous words: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

He said NEQA-UK planned to establish a strong presence in Nigeria, focusing on education assurance, evaluation, measurement, and standards improvement.

“We will hold government and corporate bodies accountable for transparency and accountability in education,” he said.

Uwaoma added that the organisation was open to collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations to achieve its objectives.

Drawing from Prof. Norman Gronlund’s “Measurement and Evaluation in Teaching” (1976), he stressed the importance of effective evaluation methods in learning, noting that NEQA-UK would apply both reference and non-reference measurement criteria to ensure quality education.

He also revealed plans to secure scholarships for Nigerians and partner with other organisations to enhance education standards in the country.

According to him, the initiative would include innovative approaches such as the use of smartphones and digital tools, alongside incentives aimed at encouraging students’ commitment to reading and academic excellence.

Uwaoma expressed optimism that the programme would help restore students’ interest in reading and learning.

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 enable more youths to become self-reliant.

“When they become well-grounded academically and apply entrepreneurial skills acquired from the university and the National Youth Service Scheme, easy access to funds will be crucial to sustaining their business initiatives,” he said.