Building a University Partnership to Support Early Grade Reading in Nigeria: The Case of the Nigeria Centre for Reading, Research and Development

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Building a University Partnership to Support Early Grade Reading in Nigeria: The Case of the Nigeria Centre for Reading, Research and Development
Language: English
Authors: Zuilkowski, Stephanie Simmons, Tsiga, Ismaila A.
Source: Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 2021 13(5):124-134.
Availability: Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jcihe/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2021
Sponsoring Agency: USAID
Contract Number: AID620G1700001
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Reading Centers, Reading Instruction, Literacy Education, Elementary Education, Research and Development Centers, Graduate Study, Barriers, Program Development, Partnerships in Education, International Cooperation, Higher Education, College Faculty, Faculty Development, Faculty Publishing, Fellowships
Geographic Terms: Nigeria, Florida
ISSN: 2151-0393
Abstract: While most international educational development projects are engaged in capacity development, trainings rarely have enough depth to result in lasting changes in the capacity of local stakeholders. The case of the Nigeria Centre for Reading, Research and Development (NCRRD) at Bayero University Kano used a different model. Six NCRRD faculty spent six months at Florida State University (FSU) attending courses on literacy and elementary education, attending grant writing trainings and reading seminars, observing literacy instruction in schools, and participating in conferences. After returning to Nigeria, the fellows were mentored by FSU faculty through the stages of a research project; all fellows subsequently submitted articles to international journals. FSU supported the administrative structures of NCRRD, assisting in the development of financial and compliance infrastructure. The outcomes of the partnership included (1) the establishment of the NCRRD as a center for excellence in reading in West Africa, (2) the publication of contextually relevant literature to inform policymakers and practitioners, and (3) the establishment of graduate programs in reading. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the institutions during the establishment of the NCRRD and makes recommendations for institutions interested in developing long-term international partnerships.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1326689
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:While most international educational development projects are engaged in capacity development, trainings rarely have enough depth to result in lasting changes in the capacity of local stakeholders. The case of the Nigeria Centre for Reading, Research and Development (NCRRD) at Bayero University Kano used a different model. Six NCRRD faculty spent six months at Florida State University (FSU) attending courses on literacy and elementary education, attending grant writing trainings and reading seminars, observing literacy instruction in schools, and participating in conferences. After returning to Nigeria, the fellows were mentored by FSU faculty through the stages of a research project; all fellows subsequently submitted articles to international journals. FSU supported the administrative structures of NCRRD, assisting in the development of financial and compliance infrastructure. The outcomes of the partnership included (1) the establishment of the NCRRD as a center for excellence in reading in West Africa, (2) the publication of contextually relevant literature to inform policymakers and practitioners, and (3) the establishment of graduate programs in reading. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the institutions during the establishment of the NCRRD and makes recommendations for institutions interested in developing long-term international partnerships.
ISSN:2151-0393