Volume 15

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: A VERITABLE TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT IN NIGERIA

OGBECHE, Patrick Ogbeche, QUDUS, & Asmau Bolanle Ph.D

Abstract

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a crucial foundation for sustainable educational development,
particularly in Nigeria, where access to quality early learning remains unequal. ECE encompasses both formal and informal programs that foster children's cognitive, emotional, and social growth from birth to age eight. It plays a vital role in addressing educational disparities and building human capital. This study highlights the strategic importance of ECE, linking access to improved long-term outcomes, such as literacy, school readiness, and reduced grade repetition. Urban areas tend to have better ECE mplementation compared to rural regions. The paper emphasises the significance of early learning windows, critical periods of brain development when educational input has the greatest impact. Utilising these windows effectively helps children succeed in school and decreases dropout rates. The study advocates for increased investment and community-based approaches to expand and improve ECE across Nigeria, ensuring equitable and sustainable progress in the education sector.

Keywords

Early Childhood Education, educational development, literacy proficiency, school readiness, educational disparities

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