404th INAUGURAL LECTURE AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY ILE-IFE OSUN STATE NIGERIA

NEWS BULLETIN "Give Me My Childhood: The Lamentation of the Zero to Eight Years" — Prof. Hannah Olubunmi Ajayi Delivers 404th Inaugural Lecture at OAU Ile-Ife, Nigeria – August 26, 2025: The serene atmosphere of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, was filled with reflection, scholarship, and celebration as Professor Hannah Olubunmi Ajayi, a distinguished scholar in Early Childhood Education, delivered the institution’s 404th Inaugural Lecture titled “Give Me My Childhood: The Lamentation of the Zero to Eight Years.” The occasion drew an array of dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Registrar, the University Librarian, the Bursar, Deans of Faculties, Provosts of Colleges, Directors of Units, Heads of Departments, respected Royal Fathers, and a host of invited guests who gathered to witness this landmark academic event. In her lecture, Prof. Ajayi reflected on her university days and her remarkable journey in the field of childhood education, where she has devoted her academic career to exploring and redefining the experiences of children in their formative years. She emphasized the importance of understanding childhood as a distinct stage of human development, drawing attention to the lamentations of children between zero to eight years whose voices are often unheard in society. She raised critical concerns about the realities of childhood, highlighting questions surrounding children’s playgrounds, play materials, language, identities, and the environments that sometimes appear hostile to their natural growth and happiness. Addressing the academic dimensions, Prof. Ajayi examined the field of Early Childhood Education and explained key terminologies such as: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) Early Childhood Development (ECD) Early Childhood Education (ECE) Early Childhood Educational Development (ECED). She further explored concepts of pre-primary education, kindergarten, preschool, and the preschooler, emphasizing their roles in shaping children’s growth and learning. The lecture also recounted Prof. Ajayi’s dedicated service to the Institute of Education, OAU, which she joined in 2007 and where she rose through the ranks to become Director in 2023. She proudly highlighted her academic contributions, which include over seventy research publications in local, national, and international outlets, as well as numerous presentations at conferences across the globe. Beyond the institute, Prof. Ajayi underscored her service to the Faculty, the University at large, other academic institutions, and national agencies, reaffirming her commitment to advancing the cause of childhood education in Nigeria and beyond. In her emotional acknowledgments, she expressed deep gratitude to her family, colleagues, school board members, students, and all those who had supported and assisted her throughout her career. She also extended appreciation to the university leadership and all the dignitaries present. The lecture concluded with a resounding call to action: society must return childhood to the child, preserve the sanctity of play, and create nurturing environments that foster holistic development for children.