M.Ed. Childhood Education

Master of Education in Childhood Education

M.Ed. Childhood Education

  1. List of Academic Staff
NameStatus & QualificationsResearch Interest
Olabisi AdedigbaSenior Lecturer Ag. Head of Department.
B.Ed. (OOU, Ago-Iwoye); M.Ed., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Early Childhood Education/Counselling Psychology
H. O. OwolabiProfessor,
B.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Educational Evaluation/Assessment in Lifelong Education
M. O. OgunjimiSenior Lecturer,
B.Ed. (Calabar); M.Ed. (Benin); Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Elementary Education/Research & Evaluation in Childhood Educ.
Eniola. K. Ola-AlaniSenior Lecturer,
B.Sc.(Ed.), M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Early Childhood Education
Racheal. O. AgarrySenior Lecturer,
B.Ed., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Early Childhood Education
R. AbdulwahabLecturer I,
B.Ed. (ABU, Zaria); M.Ed. (UDU, Sokoto), Ph.D. (IAUE, Port Harcourt)
Primary Education Studies
Y. A. KurangaLecturer I,
B.Sc.(Ed.) (UDU, Sokoto); M.Ed. (Ibadan)
Early Childhood/Primary Science
*Afusat T. AlabiProfessor,
B.Sc.(Ed.) M.Ed.; Ph.D.(Ilorin)
Educational Management/Administration of Childhood Education
*Medinat F. SalmanProfessor,
B.Ed. (ABU, Zaria); M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Mathematics Education
*L. A. YahayaProfessor,
B.Ed., M.Ed., M.P.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Counsellor Education/Childhood Care and Counselling
*R. A. LawalProfessor,
B.A.(Ed.); M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
English Education/Literacy
*O. E. AbdullahiProfessor,
B.A.(Ed.) M.Ed.(BUK, Kano); M.Ed.(Ibadan); Ph.D.(Ilorin)
Education Psychology/Developmental Psychology.
*S. A. OnasanyaProfessor,
B.Ed., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Educational Technology/Childhood Learning Resources
*S. B. OlajideProfessor,
B.A. (Ibadan); PGDE, M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Language Education/Childhood Language Learning
*R. O. OkunloyeProfessor,
B.Ed. (Lagos); M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Social Studies Education/Childhood Social Studies
*A. F. OyeladeProfessor,
B.A.(Ed.) (Jos); M.Ed., Ph.D. (OAU, Ile- Ife)
Philosophy of Education/Educational Foundations
*C. O. OlumorinReader,
B.Ed., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Educational Technology/Childhood Learning Resources

*Lecturers from other departments

B. Introduction

The Master of Education in childhood education affords university graduates in the field the opportunity to acquire higher academic and professional skills. In addition, the specializations being focused are based on societal needs which will be attractive to prospective higher degree applicants. Students receive exposures to higher levels of study and research through lectures and seminars that will last for one academic session and research that will end with a submission of written dissertation.

C. Philosophy

Master of Education in childhood education is geared towards excellence in knowledge and skills with cutting edge competence and innovativeness in the care and education of children. Provision is thus made for acquisition of skills in the development of pedagogy and relevant values for the improvement of quality of childhood education and life in society.

D. Aim and Objectives

The M. Ed. in Childhood Education is designed to help graduates become more relevant and effective in the children‘s education by:

  1. becoming familiar with theoretical and practical issues in childhood education;
  2. enabling the students to become more grounded in their understanding of the goals of childhood education in Nigeria within the context of the global community;
  3. applying the knowledge of the field for the purpose of developing the field of childhood education;
  4. developing competent researchers‘ capacity for critical thinking, creativity and innovation; and
  5. acquiring competencies to function at the highest level of manpower needs in the field of childhood education.

E. Admission Requirements

Candidates for the Master‘s Degree in Childhood Education must have the following:

  1. ―O‖ Level credits or equivalent in five subjects including English and Mathematics;
  2. A first degree honours in Education with a minimum of second class lower division;
  3. A first degree honours in other disciplines with a minimum of second class lower division plus Postgraduate Diploma in Education from a recognized University obtained at credit level;
  4. Qualifying examination for all except candidates with second class upper and first class from University of Ilorin;

F. Duration of Programme

  1. The Full-time Master of Education degree in Childhood Education shall run for a minimum of 18 Calendar months a maximum of 24 Calendar months.
  2. The Part-time programme shall run for a minimum of 24 Calendar months and a maximum of 36 Calendar months.

G. Detailed Course Description

RME 801 Research Methods in Education 2 Credits

Types of research, method and data. Types of instruments. Types of procedures for data collection. Methods of data analysis. Application of computer in data analysis. Presentation of results and conclusions. 45h (T); C

RME 803 Statistical Methods in Educational Research 2 Credits

Review of Basic Statistical Concepts; descriptive, parametric, inferential and non-parametric statistics, t-statistic, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Regression Analysis, Chi-square and Statistical techniques for post-hot analysis; application of computer in statistical analysis; meaning and results of statistical analysis. 30h (T); C

CES 801 Development of Childhood Education Curriculum 2 Credits

Basic theories of curriculum development; history of curriculum development; theoretical framework for curriculum design in childhood education; focus on approaches of various educational agencies/institutions to curriculum planning and development with view to analyzing critically the nature of curriculum process and logistic problems. Curriculum models, innovations, changes and evaluation in childhood education. It is also to focus into the field of practical work on curriculum development. 30h (T); C

CES 802 Child’s Learning and Development Needs 2 Credits

Contemporary learning theories and their applications to childhood educational practice, including the issues of readiness, motivation, problem solving, and the social context of learning. Cognitive processes and development of current cognitive stimulation programmes for young children. Current theoretical issues in developmental needs of children; historical perspectives; fundamental concepts of developmental needs; survey of various theoretical approaches to development; Needs theory; universal need and rights of young children; child health and nutrition; analysis of theories, factors and processes of physical, intellectual, personality, moral, social, and emotional developmental needs. 30h (T); C

CES 803 Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues in Childhood Educ. 2 Credits

Critical analysis of social class differences, social mobility, female child education, female genital mutilation and circumcision, changing sex roles and values, gender stereotype, early marriage and childhood education, materialisms and indiscipline, social differentiation and educational implications on childhood education. A critical examination of contemporary issues such as equality and inequality in childhood education, funding and management in childhood education, centralization versus decentralization, UBE and education of the marginalized groups, Almajiri education; out of school children; gender and childhood education; relationship between traditional education in Africa and Constructivism. 30h (T); C

CES 804 Production of Instructional Materials in Childhood Education  2 Credits

Basic theories of instructional communication and their relationship to learning and instruction; materials design, development, selection and use of the materials for teaching children; production of assigned instructional materials using photographic, graphic, audio, story boarding and script writing, production skills. 30h (T); C


CES 805 Comparative Studies in Childhood Education 2 Credits

History, scope and methods of comparative studies and childhood education and comparative analysis of the structure and organization of childhood education. The nature, aims, organization and development of childhood education in different society (western and non-western). An overview of possible areas of cultural variations and ideological differences in the aims and objectives of childhood education. 30h (T); C

CES 806 School/Family/Community Partnership 2 Credits

Diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school and community. Relationship between the child, family, community, and educators. Effective listening and spoken techniques in parent/teacher conferences are developed along with communicating skills. Child care situations and resources are explained and written report examples are developed. Evidence- based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships. 30h (T); C

CES 807 Graduate Seminar 2 Credits

Presentation of at least one seminar which will be based on topic of current issues in childhood education. 45h (P); C

CES 811 Science Methods and Instruction in Childhood Education 2 Credits

Principles and practices of teaching and learning by applying them to the fields of science and technology. Strategies for assessing children’s scientific understandings using knowledge of curricula, resources and teaching strategies to design and implement learning opportunities and lesson sequences which enhance the development of children’s scientific thinking and enjoyment of science. 30h (T); E

CES 812 Numeracy Methods and Instruction in Childhood Education 2 Credits

A critical analysis of the contents of mathematics curricula, principles and methods for teaching mathematics in early childhood education. Focus on the concepts of mathematics that are taught in childhood education and the current methods of teaching that content, including experience with manipulative materials. Learning difficulties in solving problems in mathematics, development of problem solving skills and the ability to calculate in young children. 30h (T); E

CES 813 Resources for Childhood Science 2 Credits

Development and use of appropriate instructional resources for childhood science teaching. Information and communication technologies as tools for learning. Improvisation, innovation, creativity and selection of resources in science teaching. 30h (T); E

CES 814 Exploration and Discovery in Childhood Science Education 2 Credits

Nature of physical environment, and observation of features, regularities and peculiarities in nature. Incidental and planned discoveries; critical thinking and problem solving with scientific laws and principles. 30h (T); E

CES  821 Language and Literacy Development in Children 2 Credits

Theories of language acquisition; literacy skills and teaching strategies are examined and defined at each developmental stage. Mother tongue and literacy development. Literacy and the school curriculum. 30h (T); E

CES 822 Children’s Language Differences 2 Credits

Language differences among children; contemporary language and literacy practices and classroom activities. Meeting the needs of children with language differences. 30h (T); E

CES 823 Literature and Poetry in Childhood Education 2 Credits

Poetry, multicultural books, stories and children‘s literature as applied to childhood education. Use of children‘s literature to provide programme and learning activities for literacy and creativity. Selection of appropriate literatures for children‘s learning. 30h (T); E

CES 824 Reading Theory and Practices in Childhood Education 2 Credits

Teaching of reading from early childhood through primary. Survey of reading theory, development, assessment, and related reading instructional practices. Focus on teaching the skills involved in reading words accurately and fluently to comprehend complex texts (literary, informational, digital media). Providing instruction to students from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds; targeted intervention for struggling readers. 30h (T); E

CES  825 Writing Theory and Practices in Early Childhood 2 Credits

Teaching of writing in early childhood and primary education. Survey of writing theory, development, assessment, and related instructional practices. The role of writing with in a comprehensive, integrated curriculum including attention to narrative, expository and argumentative writing; how to address mechanics effectively; and supporting writers at risk of failing to meet standards, as well as reticent writers. 30h (T); E

CES 831 Assessing Children’s Learning and Documenting Progress 2 Credits

Knowledge and skills needed for assessing typical development in children. Critical analysis of recent developments in assessment in/for/of teaching and learning in childhood education. Assessment techniques in childhood education, diagnostic assessment and the early identification of learning difficulties, uses of assessment techniques, observation strategies to document development, growth, play and learning. Strategies for recording the result of assessments and formal reporting of assessment results. 30h (T); E

CES 832 Theory and Research in Early Childhood Development  2 Credits

Reflection and discussion about how theories of child development inform practice and how challenges faced in education and care settings call for further theoretical and empirical enquiry. Critical understanding of developmental theories and research and the use of this knowledge in the design and evaluation of programmes aimed at promoting children‘s development and education. Research basis for childhood education policy and application to educational settings. 30h (T); E

CES  833 Assessment and Evaluation of Childhood Educ. Programmes  2 Credits

Assessment of childhood educational programmes. Analysis of recent developments in assessment techniques and procedures Strategies for recording and formal reporting of assessment results. 30h (T); E

CES  834 Technology Based Assessment and Data Analysis in Childhood Educ. 2 Credits

Computer as a data processing system. Uses of information and communication technology for assessment in childhood education. Diagnostic assessment; decoding skills; reading comprehension rates and fluency. Use of electronic portfolio in assessment. Use of ICT for recording and analyzing assessment result. 30h (T); E

CES 835 Evaluation of Educational Needs and Programmes in CES 2 Credits

Nature, models, approaches and instruments of evaluation; purposes and problems of evaluation in childhood education; childhood education programme evaluation; the use of participatory monitoring and evaluation of specific educational and social development programmes in childhood education; process and procedures of evidenced-based and impact evaluation of educational needs and programmes in childhood education. 30h (T); E

CES  841 Social Theories of Childhood 2 Credits

Theories of socialization. Models of socialization. Social theories on childhood. The challenges of childhood in social settings. of alternative approaches to socialization and overcoming childhood challenges. 30h (T); E

CES  842 Curriculum and Methods in Elementary Social Studies 2 Credits

Definition and goals of social studies in the early childhood/elementary years; developmental characteristics in planning social studies programmes; an overview of basic research for elementary social studies; current status of social studies in elementary schools; resources for teaching social studies; outcomes of the social studies curriculum. 30h (T); E

CES 843 Society, Childhood and Family 2 Credits

Shaping children’s abilities and achievement; norms, roles, and practices of parents. Family structure, ethnic group influences, values, child-rearing approaches, family organization, and characteristics of the child. Language, social behaviour, social class, peer groups, mass media and school environment. Childhood in social settings such as schools, nurseries, community care centres, hospitals, social services and other relevant settings. 30h (T); E

CES 844 The Structure of Childhood 2 Credits

Developmental and ecological approaches to studying physical, cognitive and social structures of childhood. Culture, social structure, institutions and children‘s social perceptions, sense of self and self-presentation. The influence of family, peers, neighborhood, socio-cultural factors, and politics on children. The role of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status in childhood development. 30h (T); E


CES 845 Childhood Studies and Society 2 Credits

Ethnographic issues in relation to contemporary childhood education. Children’s participation and contribution as a socio-political issue. Sociological questions about children’s identity, belonging to and participation in communities, gender, environmental issues and diversity. Childhood and local/global citizenship from sociological perspectives. Early years‘ education providers and ethical issues in childhood research. 30h (T); E

CES  851   Multimedia Tools and Applications in Childhood Education 2 Credits

Review of instructional strategies and programme instruction. Taxonomy of educational media materials; selecting media for instructional utilization; techniques; and procedures. Uses, advantages and limitations of multimedia tools. Visit to media houses and institutions. Practical experience gained from engagement in media programmes. 30(T); E

CES 852 Designing Childhood Education Technology Resources 2 Credits

Designing of technological resources for childhood education. Participatory design resources, network media tools, and technologically mediated environments. Constructivist and cultural theories of mind, education and digital authoring and communication, and their significance for the design of dynamic pedagogical technological resources and environment. Development digital artifacts and collaborative technology-supported learning environments for children. 30h (T); E

CES  853   Childhood Instructional Technology Foundations and History 2 Credits

Basic concepts of mediated instruction and the use of technology to enhance learning in children. Current technology skills and concepts in childhood education. Emerging technologies and technological literacy standards and mandates, social and legal issues. 30h (T); E

CES  854 Digital Media, Culture and Childhood Education 2 Credits

Theory and practice of media childhood education, emergent new literacy in the digital age, media production in childhood education. Cultural practices and digital media. Developments in digital media in childhood education. 30h (T); E

CES 855 Interactive Media in Early years 2 Credits

Media for childhood learning and interactive perspectives. Traditional interactive media methods and use of technology with young children. Strategies and demonstrations for interactive media. 30h (T); E

CES  899 Project 6 Credits

Selection and completion of a dissertation in Childhood Education under the guidance of a supervisor and presentation of the completed project report. Every candidate is required to give a departmental seminar on his or her project. Project presentations are critiqued at organized forum for the purpose of crystallizing the ideas of students and improving the quality of the report. 270h (P); C


  • Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) in Childhood Education, a candidate must pass a minimum of 30 credits including all electives and core courses as follows:

CORE Courses

RME 801(2), RME 803(2), CES 801(2), CES 802(2), CES 803(2), CES 804(2), CES 805(2), CES

806(2), CES 807(2), CES 899(6)

Elective Courses (Childhood Science and Mathematics)

CES 811(2), CES 812(2), CES 813(2), CES 814(2)

Elective Courses (Childhood Language and Literacy Development)

CES 821(2), CES 823(2), CES 822(2), CES 824(2), CES 825(2)

Elective Courses (Evaluation in Childhood Education)

CES 831(2), CES 832(2), CES 833(2), CES 834(2), CES 835(2),

Elective Courses (Childhood Social Studies)

CES 841(2), CES 842(2), CES 843(2), CES 844(2), CES 845(2),

Elective Courses (Childhood Technology and Resources)

CES 851(2), CES 852(2), CES 853(2), CES 854(2), CES 855(2),

I. Summary

    Compulsory Courses                                                                           18

    Three Elective Courses in an area of specialization                            6

    Dissertation                                                                               6 Total:   30