England’s Reading Revolution Goes Global: How Nigeria is Leading Literacy Reform Across Africa: An International Parliamentary Forum, House of Lords, UK Parliament July 2026
It was a pleasure for Professor Pauline Dixon and Dr Steve Humble to present independent research evidence at the House of Lords July 2026 at the International Parliamentary Forum hosted by the APPG Nigeria (All Party Parliamentary Group). The event was chaired by Lord Alton of Liverpool, KCSG, KCMCO. Other speakers were representatives of the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and Sir Nick Gibb, Erstwhile Minister of State for Schools, UK.
This Day – African Views on Global News. Today we feature in the flagship newspaper in Nigeria. Kano state’s literacy drive is hailed as an ‘evidence-based model‘. The newspaper states “The statement explained that British parliamentarians, education experts, researchers and policymakers praised the state’s commitment to improving foundational learning through sustained public investment, evidence-based policies and measurable learning outcomes”. The Technical Adviser on Education Reform in Kano State, Dr. Haladu Mohammed said ““We are honoured that the African Union has recognised Kano’s progress, and we hope our experience will encourage other states in Nigeria and countries across Africa to invest in evidence-based literacy reforms.” Our work here at Newcastle University was recognised as providing that evidence base “The forum equally acknowledged the contribution of Newcastle University scholars, Professors Pauline Dixon and Steve Humble, whose independent studies reportedly demonstrated the effectiveness of the Jolly Phonics programme in Kano, including evidence that pupils’ phonics knowledge successfully transfers into Hausa literacy”.
Kano’s Literacy Reforms Earn Global Recognition at UK Parliament – Kano State Government.
“The international recognition at the UK Parliament reflects growing global confidence in Kano State’s education reforms and reinforces the State’s position as a leading example of sustainable, government-led and evidence-based literacy reform in Nigeria and across Africa”
Newcastle University Engagement and Place Awards 2026 – one of three shortlisted
Our research was shortlisted for Newcastle University’s Engagement and Place Awards 2026 in the Engaging with Policy and Practice category. The award ceremony was held on Thursday 30th April in the Culture Lab Ballroom hosted by Professor Chris Day, VC and President. In attendance from the READ team were Prof Pauline Dixon, Dr Steve Humble and Dr Chris Couinhan. It was great to be shortlisted to the final three.
Our research features in unicef policy documents
Our research and papers are cited by government and humanitarian agencies around the world, including unicef. Please see the report linked opposite as an example citing our work in Nigeria around literacy practices (Counihan, Humble, Gittins and Dixon, 2021).
Written Evidence Submitted to the Education Committee
Education Committee – Written Evidence “Reading for Pleasure Enquiry” Humble and Dixon submission 2026.
Engagement and Place Awards Newcastle University 2026
Our research and outreach has been nominated in the Policy and Practice category at the “Engagement and Placement Awards“. We have reached the final three with the ceremony being held at the end of April 2026 to announce the winner. This work bridges research and practice. Evidence generated through rigorous research has been translated into curriculum, policy influence and professional learning, ensuring that engagement leads to lasting change rather than short term outcomes. By addressing literacy as a shared community responsibility and a fundamental human right, the work exemplifies how engaged scholarship can transform places, reduce educational inequality and improve life chances for millions of children. We will update in due course!!
MA International Development and Education 2026-2027 Newcastle University
At Newcastle University, Global Development courses have again been voted in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by subject for the third year running. Our MA International Development and Education is part of these Global Development Courses. Do take a look at the video of Professor Pauline Dixon and Dr Steve Humble discussing the course.
Dr Philippa Chapman and alumni students from the International Development and Education Masters course here at Newcastle University discuss its merits and their experiences. Hear how the course has impacted upon their future careers. Also featuring Dr Elle Young, Robbie Shaw, Charlotte Brown, and Gabrielle Inglis.
Co-Creation at Jesmond Dene House
On Friday 20th February 2026 the team came together for a co-creational workshop at Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle. Experts attending included academics from Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria University, Universal Learning Solutions and Flooded Cellar. External inputs were also gained from UCL Institute of Education.
African Union Proved Solutions
Some exciting news around our research on language and reading skills in schools in Nigeria.Last week (22nd July 2025) UNICEF invited our co-author/co-investigator (Dr. Louise Gittins) from our research partner Universal Learning Solutions to present at the African Union “Proven Solutions for Foundational Learning in Africa” in Addis Ababa. The event, hosted by UNICEF, the African Union and the Gates Foundation, was to summarise and talk about scaling what has worked for improving learning in Africa. The event included ministry representatives from countries all across the continent. Owing to our research and interventions since 2003 synthetic phonics, has been identified as one of only a few initiatives that has had any real impact over the last 20 years.
Louise’s presentation included the findings from our research papers and projects here at Newcastle University (Dixon, Humble, Counihan (Northumbria), Gittins (Universal Learning Solutions)).The Validation Workshop on Scalable Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Practices to End Learning Poverty in Africa culminated in the writing of a report that will be published by UNICEF. This will include a whole section on our work, with a proposal that all countries in Africa should adopt our recommendations around heritage and English learning in schools across the continent.