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Early Childhood Association of Nigeria
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ECAN History

ECAN Since 1994

Our History

Over three decades of advancing early childhood education, research, policy, and professional practice in Nigeria.

ECAN Founding History
1994 ECAN Founded
Our Story

Building a National Voice for Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN) is Nigeria's foremost professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in early childhood education, research, policy, and practice.

Since its establishment in 1994, ECAN has served as a unifying platform for researchers, educators, practitioners, and advocates committed to improving the lives and learning outcomes of young children across the country.

Three decades of professional service

Connecting knowledge, professional practice, research, and advocacy for the advancement of early childhood education in Nigeria.

01
17 September 1994

The Beginning of ECAN

ECAN was formally established on 17 September 1994 during its maiden National Conference, held from 17–19 September 1994 at the Fredrick Ebert Institute, University of Lagos.

The conference brought together pioneering scholars and early childhood professionals who shared a common vision of creating a strong national body to champion the development of the early childhood sector in Nigeria.

Founding Leadership

Professor Osanyin Ajike

At the forefront of this historic initiative was Professor Osanyin Ajike, whose leadership, vision, and dedication laid the foundation for what has become one of Nigeria's influential professional associations in early childhood education.

Professor Osanyin Ajike
Founding Vision
Our Foundation

The Vision Behind the Association

Before founding ECAN, Professor Osanyin Ajike was an active member of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP).

Through her involvement, she observed that OMEP's membership in Nigeria was largely composed of proprietors of private nursery and primary schools.

While this was valuable, there remained no inclusive national platform that equally represented researchers, teacher educators, academics, and classroom practitioners.

Recognising this gap, she collaborated with a distinguished group of early childhood professionals to establish ECAN as a truly multidisciplinary association.

Bridge research and professional practice
Promote professional collaboration
Translate evidence into classroom practice
Milestones

ECAN's Journey of Growth

From its founding conference to a growing national professional community, ECAN's journey reflects a sustained commitment to early childhood education.

1994

Association Founded

ECAN was inaugurated during its first National Conference at the University of Lagos.

Nationwide

Rotational Conferences

Annual National Conferences are hosted by higher institutions across Nigeria's geopolitical regions.

300+

Professional Members

ECAN has grown into a vibrant network of researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers nationwide.

Our Impact

Growing Across Nigeria

From its modest beginnings, ECAN has evolved into a nationwide professional body with active state chapters across Nigeria.

The Association has consistently organised annual National Conferences hosted by universities and higher institutions throughout the South, North, East, and West of the country.

These conferences have become an important platform for scholarly exchange, professional development, policy dialogue, and the dissemination of innovative practices that strengthen early childhood education in Nigeria.

30+ Years of Service
300+ Professionals
Nationwide Professional Reach
Nigeria One Professional Community
JECAN Journal
Research & Publications
Research & Publications

Advancing Knowledge Through JECAN

Today, ECAN continues to advance scholarship through the Journal of the Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (JECAN), an annual peer-reviewed publication produced following each National Conference.

JECAN provides a valuable platform for publishing contemporary research, innovative classroom practices, and policy perspectives that continue to shape early childhood education within the Nigerian context.

Knowledge into Practice

For more than three decades, ECAN has remained steadfast in its mission of transforming research into practice, promoting professional standards, and advocating for quality early childhood education for every Nigerian child.

Become part of Nigeria's early childhood movement

Join thousands of educators, researchers and advocates working to give every Nigerian child a strong start.

Join ECAN Today