Assessment of the Implementation of National ECCE Policy in Kaduna State

The National Early Childhood Care and Education Policy provides a framework for improving early childhood education across Nigeria, yet its translation into practice at state level varies significantly, making examination of its implementation in North West Nigeria necessary. This study assessed the level of implementation of the National ECCE Policy in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Chikun Local Government Areas, Kaduna State. A descriptive survey was conducted with questionnaires administered to 30 ECCDE supervisors, 60 pre-primary teachers, and 15 local government education officers. Implementation dimensions assessed included curriculum adherence, teacher qualification compliance, minimum environment standards, community participation provisions, and monitoring and evaluation systems. Results showed that curriculum adherence was partial in 63 percent of schools, with most deviating from the play-based mandate in favour of academic readiness instruction. Teacher qualification compliance was the most poorly implemented dimension, with only 34 percent of surveyed teachers holding the recommended minimum NCE with ECCE specialisation. Minimum environment standards for class size were exceeded in 72 percent of schools. LGA-level monitoring and evaluation reporting was irregular across the surveyed areas. The study concludes that ECCE policy implementation in Kaduna State is significantly below stipulated standards. Recommendations include a state-level ECCE implementation task force, accelerated teacher upgrading through NTI distance education, and quarterly supervisory visits by state ECCE desk officers.

Keywords: ECCE policy, implementation, Kaduna State, early childhood education, North West Nigeria