A Ph.D. student in the Department of Science Education, Aisha Yusuf, has called on educational institutions in the country to collaborate with parents and the wider communities to promote sustainable educational development.
Yusuf made the call last Tuesday (April 8, 2025) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin following the successful defense of her doctoral thesis, held at the University Postgraduate School Seminar Room.
Her research, which was anchored on the Reggio Emilia approach, highlighted the importance of child-centered and project-based learning, the role of the environment as the third teacher, documentation, collaboration and communication, the role of the teacher, and active parental involvement.
She said, “Educational institutions should cultivate collaborations with parents and the wider community to facilitate the execution of the Reggio Emilia approach”, adding that “this may entail coordinating workshops, seminars, and community activities to enhance awareness and foster support for innovative pedagogical approaches.”
She further encouraged the integration of the Reggio Emilia approach into science-related disciplines such as Physics, Basic Science, and Mathematics through experiential learning and collaborative classroom practices.
The researcher also called on the Kwara State government to integrate the approach into its Kwara Learn initiative to support holistic learning outcomes at the early stages of education.
According to her, “Educators must undergo training and professional development aimed at understanding and proficiently applying the ideas of the Reggio Emilia approach. Such training should emphasise the significance of communication, cooperation, and inquiry-driven learning within the classroom.”
She also urged curriculum developers to align existing educational frameworks with the principles of the approach, especially in disciplines where research shows its effectiveness, so as to promote experiential and problem-solving-based learning, particularly at the primary and secondary levels.
Yusuf emphasised the need for increased funding for research into the application of the Reggio Emilia approach across different subjects and age groups to address current empirical gaps and expand understanding of its impact on learning outcomes.
In his remarks, the External Examiner, Prof. M. M. Atadoga, who joined virtually to assess the student’s presentation, commended Yusuf for her effort and further advised improvement on certain aspects of the submission.
The Internal Examiner, Dr Eniola Keji Ola-Alani, lauded the student’s dedication and expressed delight at being part of the process.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, who is also the Head of the Department of Science Education, Dr Kayode Ojo Afolabi, acknowledged the constructive feedback from the external examiner.
Also speaking, the Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr Mohammed Ridwan Enuwa, praised the student’s adherence to APA formatting and the structure of her reference appendix.
