Kakalistiq.com reports that the newly installed fellows of the Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN) have expressed their excitement over their new roles and emphasized the crucial responsibilities of stakeholders in uplifting early childhood care and education in Nigeria. The trio spoke at the 30th Anniversary and 15th National Conference of the Association on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Noforija-Epe Campus of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
Associate Professor Adefunke Ekine of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, expressed her surprise and gratitude at being honoured as an ECAN fellow, reflecting on her longstanding commitment to the association since 1996. “This recognition reaffirms that when you work diligently, someone is watching. I feel elated, excited, and honoured to become an ECAN fellow,” she said.
Speaking on the roles of stakeholders, Professor Ekine stressed the need for parents to be more involved in their children’s early years, highlighting the importance of cognitive and moral development during this critical phase. “Today’s parents, especially Gen-Z, often miss the importance of bonding with their children. The first eight years of life are when 90% of a child’s brain develops. Parents must spend time building their children’s values, self-esteem, and capacity,” she advised.
Professor Ekine also called on teachers to recognize the profound impact they have on young lives. “Teachers are the lifeline of a child’s development; they can either make or break the future of these children. We, as educators, need to take our responsibilities seriously, knowing that what we do in the classroom today will reflect in the next ten or twenty years,” she noted.
Turning her attention to the government, she called for more targeted recruitment of early childhood specialists rather than general educators, emphasizing that early childhood education requires specific expertise. “The government says they value early childhood education, but their actions suggest otherwise. You wouldn’t bring a non-expert into a hospital or a courtroom; the same should apply to early childhood classrooms,” she argued.
Dr. Ikuonomeni Grace of Adeyemi Federal University of Education also expressed her delight at becoming an ECAN fellow, acknowledging her years of dedication to the association. “I never expected this recognition to come so soon, but I’m grateful and pleased to be honoured. My name is synonymous with ECAN, and I’ve always worked tirelessly for the growth of this association,” she stated.
Dr. Ikuonomeni emphasized the urgent need for government intervention in recruiting qualified specialists in early childhood education. “We have so many trained experts, yet the majority of teachers in our schools are not specialists and lack genuine interest in the child’s development. The government must prioritize this sector and recognize it as a distinct field separate from primary education,” she said.
Dr. Ashimolowo Ademuyiwa from Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) credited his conferment as an ECAN fellow to years of hard work and service, including his tenure as national secretary. He stressed the long-term importance of investing in children’s early years, noting that the youth represent the future of the nation.
“Children may only be twenty percent of our present, but they are a hundred percent of our future. We cannot afford to neglect them. While other matters can wait, our commitment to raising children properly cannot. Stakeholders must step up and ensure we are giving our best to our future leaders,” Dr. Ademuyiwa said.
The event marked a significant moment for ECAN as the association continues to advocate for improved policies, funding, and recognition of early childhood education in Nigeria. The newly installed fellows are set to play vital roles in driving this mission forward.
