EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA, POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: CRITIQUE AND A WAY FORWARD.

Nkechi Obiweluozor
University of Benin, Nigeria.

Abstract
Early childhood education is a starting point for a child’s development and the key foundation of
the Nigerian Educational System. This type of education is recognized by the Nigeria National
Policy on Education (FRN 2012). In the National Policy provisions were made stating the
objectives and guidelines taken by the government to achieve meet early childhood education
goals. This policy encourages and endorses private participation in the provision of pre-primary
education. This article examines the implementation of the policy, pointing out the purposes of
early childhood education, achievements made so far, current problems, and recommendations to
address these problems.
Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Nigeria National Education Policy Implementation,
Nigeria Early Childhood.