Early Childhood Care and Education as a Gateway for Achieving Inclusive Quality Education in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discusses early childhood care and education as key towards providing inclusive and equitable quality education. The discourse looked at what early childhood care and education is, its purpose as enshrined in the national policy on education as well as the concepts of inclusive and equitable quality education. Also, the role of early childhood education in achieving inclusive and equitable quality education was brought to fore. Finally, it was recommended that to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education in Nigeria, government and other education stakeholders alike must accord priority to and invest heavily in early childhood care and education programmes. In addition, personnel should be knowledgeable regarding issues of child development and apply the same appropriately.