By Ayo Onikoyi

Amid the growing demand for inclusive, future-ready education systems, an expert in early childhood education, Francis Yakubu, has explained why the earliest years of a child’s life hold the greatest potential for long-term impact.

He stated this in an interview with our correspondent at the book launch titled: safe guarding the girl child against societal vices by Dr. Zainab Bolajoko Balogun held on Saturday 8th February, 2025. Where scholars and practitioners gathered to explore innovative teaching models for young learners particularly the girl child.

According to him, “The early years are not just a foundation—they are a launchpad. What children experience at that stage determines how they navigate the rest of their education and life.”

In the ever-evolving field of education, few voices are as influential and visionary as that of Francis Yakubu, an early childhood education expert, scholar, and practitioner whose work is reshaping how young children experience learning in the 21st century. With over 12 years of hands-on experience and a robust research portfolio, Yakubu has emerged as a leading figure in the global effort to bridge pedagogy, creativity, and equity in early childhood education.

From the classroom to the research lab, Yakubu has dedicated his career to championing the developmental needs of children from birth to age eight. His unique approach integrates practical teaching strategies with cutting-edge theoretical research, bringing new life to how educators think about childhood learning.

Yakubu’s groundbreaking research delves into how preservice teachers’ understanding of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) influences their ability to deliver creative and dynamic learning experiences. His work—frequently cited in academic circles—focuses on developing educators who are not just competent, but imaginative and adaptable.

Now based in the United States as a doctoral researcher and research assistant in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Alabama, Yakubu is a driving force behind early childhood STEM integration. “Early childhood is often overlooked in technology integration,” he explains. “My work challenges that by showing that young children are not just passive consumers—they are capable creators.”

Yakubu’s influence extends beyond research. He is an active member of several leading professional bodies, including the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN), and the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE). These affiliations reflect his deep commitment to both local and global educational reform.

His presentations at major international conferences and scholarly contributions address pressing themes such as child agency, early literacy, teacher creativity, and the challenges of implementing STEAM in under-resourced classrooms. More recently, his research has begun informing policy debates on early childhood education in developing nations.

Looking ahead, Yakubu is preparing a cross-cultural comparative study focused on the impact of culturally responsive pedagogy in early childhood STEAM classrooms. His overarching vision is to empower educators globally with the tools and insight needed to ignite curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in every child—regardless of their background.

“My goal is to create systems that recognize the brilliance of every child,” Yakubu affirms. “When teachers are empowered, children thrive. That’s the essence of my work.