ABSTRACT

Early years in life are the most important to the

formation of intelligence, personality and social behaviour of a child. TheNursery or Early Childhood Education (ECE) comprises essentialprogrammes and activities which are critical to holistic development, academicsuccess and future achievements of children. ECE is recognised by the federalgovernment of Nigeria as a foundational and essential programme that Nigerianchildren must experience. Primaryeducation is a foundational level of education that needs to be well funded,controlled and managed. Adequate provisions of education to the citizenscontribute greatly to the socioeconomic development of the country. Thereforegood administration of primary level of education is required to fosternational growth and development. That is whymodern societies show serious concern for the education of their young ones byproviding needed support to prepare them to succeed later in school (Ejieh,2006). It is common practice in most societies to make provision for earlychildhood education programmes of various sorts for children below the officialschool-going age (usually 6years) mainly to prepare them for education inprimary schools (Obidike, 2012). The Federal Government of Nigeria recognizesthe importance of early childhood education in Nigeria and as a result it wasgiven prominence in the National Policy of Education ( FRN, 2004) as one of theprogrammes in the Nigerian educational system. This is why the government has given highly rated attention toit through various interventions that include formulation of policy documentsand network of relationships among different sectors. Unfortunately, variouschallenges are facing the implementation of ECE in Nigeria. This study examinesthe challenges that are militating against this important early education inpre-primary schools and Primary schools. Some practical ways to overcome thechallenges are provided.