Report on Day 2 of the 36th Annual OMEP Nigeria Conference

Arrival, Registration, and Opening Session

The second day of the 36th Annual OMEP Nigeria Conference commenced with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by a recap of Day 1. The opening session refreshed attendees on key takeaways and set a focused agenda for exploring various aspects of early childhood education through interactive presentations, hands-on sessions, and research discussions.

Special Presentation: Education Diplomacy Video by Yvette of CEI

The morning began with a video presentation by Yvette of the Center for Education Innovations (CEI), focusing on Education Diplomacy. This presentation emphasized the role of educational initiatives in fostering international cooperation and understanding, setting a collaborative tone for the rest of the day.

Hands-On Session on Play in Child Development by Mrs. Sonola

Following the video presentation, Mrs. Sonola engaged participants in a hands-on workshop illustrating how play impacts all developmental stages of a child. Her session provided practical activities for teachers, reinforcing the significance of play as an essential tool for child development across physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains.

Keynote on Play-Based Learning by Susana Spina

Susana Spina delivered a highly anticipated address titled “Play-Based Learning: Merging Theory and Practice.” Spina discussed the theoretical underpinnings of play in educational settings and demonstrated practical applications to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice. Her insights offered educators tangible strategies to integrate play effectively within the learning environment, supporting holistic growth and engagement in young learners.

Parallel Sessions: Exploring Early Childhood Education Topics

The conference then moved into parallel sessions, each covering critical aspects of early childhood education. These sessions included:

Parallel Session A led by Dr. Salami and Parallel Session B by Prof. Ajayi, each focusing on innovative approaches and research findings in early childhood pedagogy.

Public-Private Partnerships in Early Childhood Education: Habeeb Sholabi and Yewande Okusanya examined the impact of public-private partnerships on enhancing early childhood care and education in Nigeria. They highlighted successful collaborations that have advanced educational resources, accessibility, and support systems for young children.

Inclusion and Equity in Early Childhood Education: Fatima Umar presented on inclusion and equity, stressing the importance of accessible education for all children regardless of socio-economic status, ability, or background. Her session resonated with attendees, who engaged in discussions on practical ways to promote inclusivity.

Economic Skills Development in Primary School: This session addressed the acquisition of economic skills among primary school students through a fun-rigour multimodal educational package. Attendees explored how early exposure to economic concepts can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills among young learners.

Impact of Play-Based Pedagogy on Pupils’ Skills: This session delved into the effects of play-based teaching methods on skill acquisition, showcasing the positive outcomes of active, play-centered learning approaches on children’s creativity, communication, and teamwork.

The afternoon featured  presentations by various scholars who shared their research results on diverse topics related to early childhood education. Each presentation offered attendees a deeper understanding of recent advancements and best practices, sparking meaningful discussions among scholars and educators. These sessions also provided opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, further enriching the conference experience. Numerous photo sessions captured these collaborative moments, highlighting the shared dedication among participants.

Africa Regional Meeting and Assessment of Methods in Early Childhood Education

The day concluded with an Africa Regional Meeting, where participants engaged in discussions regarding the assessment of methods in early childhood education. This meeting provided a platform for sharing regional insights, challenges, and successes, fostering collaboration and a unified approach to enhancing early childhood education across Africa.