At the OMEP Lagos Annual Teacher Conference, over 150 teachers and school owners gathered to hear Dr. Adefunke Ekine, the OMEP President, present on the topic “Early Childhood Care and Education: Foundation for Sustainable Development.” Dr. Ekine emphasized the crucial role of early childhood education in establishing a strong foundation for cognitive development, including language acquisition and problem-solving skills. She also highlighted the importance of nurturing social-emotional abilities such as self-regulation, empathy, and cooperation, as well as supporting physical development through quality early childhood programs.
Dr. Ekine further stressed the vital roles of both the government and parents in fostering a sustainable future through early childhood education. She advocated for enhanced quality assurance mechanisms to ensure consistent educational standards across all providers. Additionally, she urged parents to contribute by limiting screen time, ensuring adequate sleep, and modeling a love of learning. The presentation concluded with a powerful call to introduce sustainability concepts early in life, encouraging environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ultimately creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all children in Nigeria.
