Volume 21, No. 1, 2024
Challenges In The Provision Of Early Childhood Care And Education In Rural Areas In Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria
Okeke, Chinedu I. , Akobi Thomas O.
Abstract
The study’s aim was to examine the challenges faced by early childhood practitioners in the provision of Early Childhood care and education in rural schools in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed method research design. A sample of 20 respondents was selected from five (5) Early Childhood Education Centres in rural areas. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data was analysed using themes by coding and grouping similar ideas and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate frequencies, mean, and standard deviations. Frequencies, mean, and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses that guided the study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study among others revealed that there was inadequate fund for the running of early childhood education in rural areas. It was also found that lack of qualified early childhood practitioners, lack of instructional materials, dilapidated classrooms, inadequate space for quality play and lack of motivation of staff were among the notable challenges encountered while providing early childhood care and education in rural school. In view of the research findings, it was recommended that appropriate infrastructure, teaching/learning materials and relevant equipment for play be provided in ECE Centres. Further, the proprietors should establish more ECE centres closer to communities so that preschoolers can access the schools easily. The government should highly fund ECE centres for better operations of the program in rural schools.
Pages: 38-50
Keywords: Challenges, Early Childhood, Education, Provision, Rural Areas.