The School of Education and Early Childhood Education is one of the pioneer schools of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, established on 3rd April, 2023 under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Academic activities commenced with the admission of the first set of students on 5th May, 2025. The School is not only a foundational unit but also a major hub within the College, because it serves all other Schools and departments. It is the School responsible for grounding all students in core education courses such as foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum studies, and teaching practice which open them up to the professional world of teaching and prepare them to become educators who will shape the lives of citizens and contribute to national development.

By providing these compulsory pedagogical and professional courses, the School of Education and Early Childhood Education supports every discipline in the College, ensuring that whether a student studies science, arts, or vocational subjects, they are first well-prepared as competent, reflective, and values-driven teachers. In line with the College’s vision of offering higher education through a dual-mode degree and NCE programme, the School promotes sound pedagogy, value-driven leadership, and practical classroom skills that foster quality teaching, lifelong learning, and responsible citizenship.

The School is led by Dr. Gbemisola Mary Oyewale, Dean, School of Education and Early Childhood. She is supported by the Heads of Department as follows:

1. Dr. Elizabeth Bowale: Head of Department, Early Childhood Education and Primary Education Studies (PES)
2. Dr. Tubosun Adamu: Head of Department, Education and General Studies
   

The School of Education and Early Childhood has three main departments:

• Department of Primary Education Studies
• Department of Early Childhood and Education
• Department of General Studies

It offers carefully structured academic programmes designed to broaden students’ professional knowledge and sharpen their classroom competence. These programmes stimulate creativity, reflective practice, and critical thinking, and include:

• Primary Education Studies (Double Major)
• Early Childhood and Education (Double Major)

The School is staffed with qualified and experienced academic and non-academic personnel who are committed to excellence in teaching, research, mentoring, and community service. Together, they create a nurturing learning environment that emphasises professionalism, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement in teacher education.

Department of Primary Education Studies (PES)
The Department of Primary Education Studies is dedicated to preparing teachers for the basic education level, with a strong emphasis on the philosophy, principles, and practice of primary schooling. The programme covers core primary school subjects such as English Studies, Mathematics, Basic Science, Social Studies, Civic Education, and Creative Arts, while integrating child psychology, classroom management, assessment strategies, and inclusive education.

The programme aims to produce competent teachers who can plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging lessons for diverse learners, strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and use appropriate instructional materials and technologies. Graduates are equipped to raise standards in primary education, respond to contemporary classroom challenges, and progress to higher studies in education and related fields. The Department is headed by Dr. Elizabeth Bowale.

Department of Early Childhood and Education
The Department of Early Childhood and Education focuses on the care, learning, and holistic development of children from birth to eight years. Grounded in contemporary theories of child development, the programme emphasises play-based learning, early stimulation, social-emotional development, inclusive early years practice, and strong home–school partnerships.

Students are prepared to create safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments in crèches, nurseries, pre-primary, and lower primary classes. They are trained to observe and understand young children’s developmental needs, design age-appropriate learning experiences, collaborate effectively with parents and caregivers, and advocate for children’s rights and wellbeing. The programme positions early childhood educators as key nation-builders, laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning and the formation of responsible, well-adjusted future citizens. This Department is also headed by Dr. Elizabeth Bowale.

Department of Education and General Studies
The Department of Education and General Studies serves the entire College and is central to the formation of well-rounded, intellectually grounded, and socially responsible teachers. It offers compulsory general studies (GSE) and education foundation courses to all students across Schools and departments. These include courses in communication in English, use of library and media and information studies, entrepreneurship education, civic and peace education, and core foundation education courses that promote national consciousness, ethical values, and global awareness.

Through these courses, the Department of Education and General Studies develops students’ language proficiency, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving ability, digital literacy, and appreciation of societal issues. It ensures that graduates are not only specialists in their subject areas, but also articulate, informed, and value-driven teachers who can positively influence their learners and contribute to the social, economic, and moral development of the nation. The Department is headed by Dr. Tubosun Adamu.