Credit: Victor Nnakwe
Early childhood is a crucial period in human development, especially when it comes to brain development. The quality of a child's environment and interactions with caregivers can significantly impact their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. The first few years of life are particularly important because the brain undergoes rapid development during this period.
The 2021 MCS survey collected information on several activities that provide children with early stimulation and responsive care. These activities include reading books or looking at picture books, telling stories, singing songs, taking children outside the home, playing with children, and spending time with children naming, counting, or drawing things. It is important to note that the survey only covered activities that children engage in with adult members of the household and did not include activities with adults who are not members of the household, even if they frequently or daily take care of the children.
Exposure to books in the early years can provide children with a better understanding of the nature of print and give them opportunities to see others reading, such as older siblings doing schoolwork. The presence of books in the home is also essential for later school performance. The survey asked mothers/caretakers of all children under five about the number of children's books or picture books they have and the types of playthings that are available in the home.
According to the survey results, 54.8% of children under five in Nigeria have exposure to early stimulation and responsive care. The percentage is higher in urban areas (72.5%) than in rural areas (44.7%). Regarding the sex of the child, 55.7% of male children and 53.9% of female children have exposure to early stimulation and responsive care.
These results indicate that there is a need for improvement in providing early stimulation and responsive care for children in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. The availability of books and playthings in the home is crucial for the cognitive and social development of children. Parents and caregivers can play a significant role in providing early stimulation and responsive care by engaging in activities such as reading books, telling stories, singing songs, and playing with children.
Education is a crucial factor in a child's development, and parents' level of education can significantly impact their children's academic and social outcomes. According to the survey results, 37.0% of children under five have mothers with no formal education, while 53.6% have mothers with primary education.
The percentage increases to 56.8% and 70.6% for mothers with junior secondary and senior secondary education, respectively. The percentage is highest for mothers with higher or tertiary education, at 86.3%.
In terms of fathers' education, 35.8% of children under five have fathers with no formal education, while 50.4% have fathers with primary education. The percentage increases to 58.9% and 64.7% for fathers with junior secondary and senior secondary education, respectively. The percentage is highest for fathers with higher or tertiary education, at 72.9%.
These results indicate a clear association between parents' level of education and their children's exposure to early stimulation and responsive care. Children of parents with higher levels of education are more likely to have exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, which can positively impact their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
The survey results also highlight the need to improve access to education, particularly for mothers and fathers with no formal education. Investing in education for parents can have significant long-term benefits for children's development and can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty.
The 2021 MCS survey also collected data on the percentage of children under five with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The results show that the South East zone has the highest percentage of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, at 83.5%. The South West zone follows with 74.2%, and the South South zone with 70%.
The North Central zone has a lower percentage of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, at 59.6%. The North East zone has a significantly lower percentage, at 40.5%, while the North West zone has the lowest percentage of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, at 37.3%.
These results indicate significant disparities in children's exposure to early stimulation and responsive care across Nigeria's geopolitical zones. While the South East, South West, and South South zones have higher percentages of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, the North Central, North East, and North West zones have lower percentages.
In addition to the geopolitical zones, the 2021 MCS survey also collected data on the percentage of children under five with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care in each Nigerian state. The results show significant variation across states, with Anambra having the highest percentage of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, at 93.5%. Lagos follows closely behind, with 93%, while Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom have the third and fourth highest percentages, at 85.6% and 85.4%, respectively.
Osun, Enugu, Imo, and Edo states also have relatively high percentages of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care, ranging from 77.7% to 83.7%. However, Abia, Kogi, Delta, Kwara, Rivers, Abuja Federal Capital Territory, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ogun have lower percentages, ranging from 63.4% to 75.3%.
The lowest percentages of children with exposure to early stimulation and responsive care are found in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, and Jigawa, with Kebbi having the lowest percentage, at 33.8%. Yobe, Gombe, Borno, and Nasarawa also have relatively low percentages, ranging from 41.6% to 43.6%.
The disparities may be due to a range of factors, including differences in education levels, poverty rates, access to healthcare, and cultural norms. Addressing these disparities will require a comprehensive approach that involves targeted investments in education, healthcare, and social support programs.
In conclusion, the first few years of a child's life are critical for their development, and the quality of their environment and interactions with caregivers can significantly impact their development. The survey results highlight the need to promote early stimulation and responsive care for children in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. Increasing the availability of books and playthings in the home and encouraging parents and caregivers to engage in activities that stimulate children's development can have a positive impact on the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of children.