Education experts, parents and advocacy groups have intensified calls for stricter regulatory oversight of nursery school learning materials in Nigeria, following growing concerns over the quality and appropriateness of content used in early childhood education.
The calls come amid recent controversies surrounding the use of unapproved and allegedly inappropriate textbooks in some nursery schools, sparking nationwide debate on the need for tighter monitoring of instructional materials.
Stakeholders argue that early childhood education forms the foundation of a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development, warning that exposure to substandard or harmful content could have long-term consequences on learning outcomes.
According to education analysts, the proliferation of privately owned nursery schools, coupled with weak enforcement of curriculum standards, has created gaps in quality control across the sector.
They stressed that many school operators often adopt teaching materials without proper vetting, due largely to the absence of clear regulatory enforcement mechanisms.
A recent policy push by the Federal Government to eliminate “toxic” and unapproved textbooks nationwide has further highlighted the urgency of the issue, with authorities pledging stricter screening processes for educational materials before approval for classroom use.
Experts maintain that such measures must be supported by transparent evaluation criteria and consistent monitoring to ensure compliance across both public and private institutions.
They also emphasised the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies, school proprietors and curriculum developers to ensure that all learning materials align with national education standards and cultural values.
“Early learning content must be age-appropriate, culturally relevant and pedagogically sound. Anything short of that undermines the child’s developmental process,” an education consultant said.
In addition, child development specialists have warned that poorly designed or inappropriate materials could negatively influence children’s behaviour, language acquisition and moral development at a formative stage.
The situation is further compounded by the rapid expansion of early childhood education in Nigeria, driven largely by private sector participation. Analysts note that while this growth has improved access, it has also increased the risk of inconsistent standards and unregulated content.
Research indicates that early childhood education in Nigeria has evolved significantly over the years, with increasing demand from parents and a growing number of institutions offering nursery-level instruction. However, gaps remain in policy implementation and oversight, particularly in curriculum content and instructional materials.
Education stakeholders are therefore calling for the establishment of a centralised approval system for nursery learning resources, alongside routine inspections and sanctions for non-compliance.
They also urged government agencies to strengthen teacher training and awareness programmes to ensure educators can identify and utilise appropriate materials for early learners.
BACKGROUND:
Early childhood education, also known as pre-primary education, caters to children aged three to five and serves as a critical preparatory stage for primary schooling. Experts agree that the quality of instruction and learning materials at this level significantly influences a child’s overall academic trajectory.
