Volume 14, 2025
Philosophical tools for Scaling Up Early Childhood Education in Nigeria: The Role of Stakeholders
Opeyemi SHOAGA Ph.D
Abstract
This paper examines the philosophical underpinnings crucial for scaling up Early Childhood Education in
Nigeria, emphasizing the interconnected roles of various stakeholders. Recognizing the limitations of a purely
economic or infrastructural approach, the paper argues for a robust philosophical framework grounded in
constructivist and progressivist principles. This approach positions children as active agents in their learning,
emphasizing play-based pedagogy, individualized learning experiences, and the social construction of
knowledge.
The paper analyzes the critical roles of key stakeholders such as policy makers, Educators, parents and
communities in this endeavour:
By embracing a constructivist and progressivist philosophy and fostering active collaboration among
stakeholders, Nigeria can create a thriving ECE ecosystem that nurtures the cognitive, social, and emotional
development of its youngest citizens, laying a strong foundation for a brighter future.
Keywords
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