Nigeria's Government Targets 92,000 Early Childhood Centers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a target to implement workforce reforms in about 92,000 public and private early childhood care, development, and education (ECCDE) centers across the country. This initiative, disclosed by Dr Ado J.G.

Muhammad, the Federal Coordinator of the Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme and National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Focal Point, aims to improve the quality of early learning and strengthen Nigeria's human capital development. The reforms are part of the HCD 2.0 Programme, which emphasizes the importance of early childhood teachers, caregivers, and educators.

Muhammad urged state and local governments, development partners, and private providers to enhance the training, welfare, and professional development of the early childhood workforce. He highlighted the significance of foundational learning and called for dedicated budget lines for early childhood development in state budgets.

The announcement coincided with the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, which marks the 60th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.