Report on the 36th Annual OMEP Nigeria Conference
The 36th Annual OMEP Nigeria Conference commenced on October 23, 2024, bringing together prominent education professionals, advocates, and experts to discuss critical themes surrounding early childhood education and its impact on sustainable peace and school safety. The program was formally opened by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of early childhood education.
Opening Session and Goodwill Messages: The conference received goodwill messages from esteemed leaders in early childhood education. The OMEP World President extended her support and emphasized the global mission of OMEP in promoting quality early education. Additional goodwill messages came from the OMEP Vice President for Africa, Mrs. Nyamikeh Kyiamah, and the immediate past president of OMEP Nigeria, Mrs. Olatokunbo Doherty. Each of these leaders expressed their commitment to fostering education initiatives that support children’s well-being and development across Nigeria and Africa.
Children’s Presentation: The program featured a vibrant presentation by OMEP children from Lead British International School, Olumawu Group of Schools, and Prime Scholar School, Abuja. The children showcased their talents and understanding of early education principles through presentations that reinforced the conference’s themes of peace, safety, and learning. Their contributions added a meaningful and inspiring dimension to the event.
Keynote Speaker Presentation: The morning session continued with Professor Taslim Ayobami Hammed delivering the Lead Paper I titled “Building Sustainable Peace through Early Childhood Education.” Professor Hammed, a distinguished professor with expertise in counseling and peace psychology, underscored the pivotal role of early childhood education in fostering a culture of peace. His presentation illuminated the ways in which a robust early education system can be a powerful instrument for social cohesion, empathy, and conflict resolution, laying a foundation for sustainable peace within communities. His insights captivated the audience, setting a compelling tone for the rest of the conference.
Panel Discussion: Enhancing School Safety through an Ecosystem Approach Following Professor Hammed’s address, a panel discussion focused on enhancing school safety through an ecosystem approach. The panel, moderated by Mrs. Eugenia Essellw, Deputy Head of School at Lead British International School, Abuja, featured the following distinguished speakers:
Dr. Feyisola Kadiri, Research and Policy Lead, Gender Mobile Initiative, Abuja
Mrs. Nyamikeh Kyiamah, Vice President of OMEP Africa
Luis Wassermann, General Manager International, Teaching Strategies, LLC, USA
Mr. Mark Nwakaudu, Grants Manager, SOS Children’s Village, Nigeria
Dr. Adefunke Ekine, National President, OMEP Nigeria
Each panelist brought a unique perspective on the importance of an ecosystem approach, emphasizing the need for collaboration among educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to ensure safe and nurturing environments for children. Discussions revolved around effective safety measures, community engagement, and policy implications for school safety.
Special Address: Play Paradigm for Improved Learning Outcomes One of the highlights of the day was an empowering and inspiring session led by Suzina Spina from Teaching Strategies, who delivered a powerful message on the “Play Paradigm: A Whole Approach for Improving Learning Outcomes.” Spina’s message resonated deeply with attendees, as she advocated for play-based learning as an integral strategy for enhancing engagement, creativity, and social-emotional development in early childhood education. Her presentation encouraged educators to embrace play as a transformative tool for improving learning outcomes.
Technology in Education: EDUTAMS Presentation The conference also included a presentation by EDUTAMS, focusing on school administration and management through technology integration. EDUTAMS highlighted the potential of technology to streamline administrative processes, enhance data management, and facilitate efficient communication within schools. Their session illustrated the practical benefits of adopting digital solutions in educational settings, enabling schools to operate more effectively and support student success.
Awards Presentation: In recognition of outstanding contributions to early childhood education, awards were presented to notable individuals and organizations. This segment honored the commitment, dedication, and impact of various contributors who have supported OMEP’s vision and mission.
Closing of Day 1 The first day of the 36th Annual OMEP Nigeria Conference concluded with a sense of unity and motivation among attendees, who expressed appreciation for the insightful presentations and collaborative discussions. The day’s sessions successfully highlighted the importance of early education in fostering sustainable peace, the necessity of a safe school ecosystem, the value of play in learning, and the impact of technology in school administration.
