Apart from overseeing the monitoring, coordination, and implementation of basic education, particularly the 6-3-3-4 policy, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi and the current management continue to refine a series of programs aimed at minimizing the global issue of Out-of-School Children (OOSC). This problem has had severe consequences for underdeveloped and developing countries like Nigeria.
One of the initiatives introduced is the Early Child Care and Development Education (ECCDE), which not only aims to remove school-age children from the streets but also establishes a framework that consistently promotes the desire to provide formal training and control for children through acculturation, following a new format.
The commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has developed a national roadmap. This roadmap utilizes human resources and instructions, engaging stakeholders through workshops, discussions, seminars, and symposiums across all 36 states in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory. It has trickled down to 776 local government areas.
These actionable decisions, formulated by the commission’s management in conjunction with education stakeholders, will revitalize the basic knowledge and care expected in public schools. The aim is not only to enable them to compete favorably with private schools that cater to children from privileged backgrounds but also to improve public primary schools.
The introduction of a one-year Pre-primary Education program, known as creche or kindergarten in private schools, for children aged 3 to 5 years will bridge the gap between the imported curriculum and the basic requirements set by the commission in the Education curriculum. This will help mitigate the challenges and encourage enrollment in public schools nationwide.
The Early Child Care and Development Education (ECCDE) will significantly reinforce the efforts supported by local and international stakeholders in addressing the issue of over 20 million out-of-school children (OOSC). Despite the concerted efforts of UBEC, other government agencies, and international partners, the number of out-of-school children has reached alarming levels.
The national roadmap developed by UBEC will undoubtedly pave the way for new actions that focus on shaping the mindset of children from early childhood. This approach will not only have a positive impact on the quality of education but also ensure care and guidance that will steer learners from a tender age to adulthood.
Furthermore, this initiative will foster a functional, high-quality, and age-appropriate learning environment for children, promoting healthy competition and early learning within their age group. The contemplation of stakeholders and international support will also address the issue of illiteracy in society, fostering awareness and instilling care and early child development in education, irrespective of environmental and family backgrounds.
With the support of local and critical stakeholders, particularly the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, responsible for curriculum development, children’s well-being, and care, the Early Child Care and Development Education (ECCDE) will not only transform basic education but also institutionalize the program to enhance the quality of education and promote seamless learning from early childhood to adulthood.
With the combined efforts, determination of the current management, and continuous support from the government, international partners, and stakeholders, the persistent challenges of inadequate early child upbringing, care, and education will gradually diminish. The incorporation and implementation of a one-year Pre-primary Education program, with a focus on ages 3 to 5 years, will bridge the gap in child care and learning across all aspects of educational development in Nigeria, aligning with the National Policy on Education.
It is crucial that commendable government policies and programs like this are not only encouraged but also institutionalized to address the ongoing distressing issue of out-of-school children (OOSC) in Nigeria.
Yusuf, A Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
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