Only 35.6 percent of Nigerian children aged 36 to 59 months are enrolled in early childhood education, according to the Universal Basic Education Commission. This figure highlights a significant gap in access to early learning, with nearly 10 million children excluded from early childhood care, development, and education. The commission has raised concerns over the growing learning crisis, noting that 70 percent of 10-year-olds struggle to read simple text.
The lack of early education is deepening educational challenges, with the commission warning of potential loss of funding due to the October 5 deadline. Despite efforts to improve enrollment, the data reveals a persistent issue in the country’s education system. The situation has sparked calls for urgent intervention to address the growing disparity in educational access.
The data from UBEC underscores the need for immediate action to ensure all children receive foundational learning opportunities. Without intervention, the learning gap is expected to widen, affecting future academic and economic outcomes for millions of Nigerian children. The commission continues to emphasize the importance of early education in building a skilled and informed society.
