ECAN Advocates New Commission to Improve Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has urged the Federal Government to establish a National Early Childhood Education Commission to improve coordination, funding, and quality of early childhood education nationwide.

The appeal was made in a national address by ECAN's 5th National President, Prof. Taiwo Ogunyemi, who commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her renewed commitment to Early Childhood Development (ECD).

According to Ogunyemi, the First Lady's recent engagement with a World Bank delegation led by Country Director Dr. Matthew Verghis demonstrates a growing national recognition of the importance of investing in children's early years.

She noted that the First Lady's position—that investment in early childhood development is among the most strategic investments any nation can make—is supported by global evidence showing that investments made from pregnancy through the first five years of life produce the highest social and economic returns.

Ogunyemi said the renewed attention on early childhood development presents Nigeria with a unique opportunity to move beyond policy declarations and implement lasting reforms that will strengthen Early Childhood Care, Development, and Education (ECCDE).

She explained that ECAN has consistently advocated for the establishment of a National Early Childhood Education Commission through an Act of the National Assembly, stressing that the absence of a dedicated coordinating body has left the sector fragmented across multiple ministries and government agencies.

According to her, the current structure has resulted in overlapping responsibilities, poor coordination, inconsistent standards, inadequate funding, and unequal access to quality early childhood education services across the country.

The ECAN president described early childhood development as the foundation of national growth, noting that the first eight years of a child's life significantly influence future learning, health, productivity, creativity, and responsible citizenship.

She argued that investments in child nutrition, healthcare, protection, stimulation, play-based learning, and quality preschool education should be regarded as investments in national security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development rather than ordinary public spending.

The association also applauded the First Lady's emphasis on multi-sectoral collaboration, child nutrition, environmental sanitation, school feeding programmes, partnerships with state governments, and collaboration with international development partners to improve early childhood outcomes.

Ogunyemi urged ECAN members, education professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders nationwide to sustain advocacy efforts and take advantage of the current momentum to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality early childhood education.

 "The future of Nigeria begins long before a child enters primary school. It begins from conception, continues through the early years, and flourishes when supported by responsive families, qualified professionals, sound policies and strong institutions," Ogunyemi said.

She added that the establishment of the National Early Childhood Education Commission should become a national priority to guarantee a stronger educational foundation for every Nigerian child.