Some educationists have said that child excellence goes beyond a good academic performance, warning that such an achievement alone would not equip a child to face life’s complex realities.
They said on Sunday in Lagos that while academic achievements remained important, holistic child development encompassed emotional intelligence, empathy, confidence, creativity, resilience, and strong character.
The educationists, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that children required these virtues to thrive, adding that the society should prioritise them.
Dr Chinenye Onuorah, Founder and Project Manager of Regalo Hope Foundation, said that academic certificates alone would not equip children to tackle life’s challenges.
Onuorah said that many Nigerian families and schools often measured children’s worth solely through academic success, overlooking their emotional well-being, life skills and sense of identity.
She emphasised that equipping children for life endeavours goes beyond providing textbooks, enrolling them in expensive schools and having classroom instructions delivered in schools by teachers.
“A child may master formulas, but unless he also learns how to speak up, handle failure, empathise with others and make good choices, there is still vacuum because he lacks life tools.
“Too many Nigerian youths today struggle with depression, identity crises, and peer pressure; yet, parents often ignore these struggles as long as academic grades remain impressive.
“Nurturing should never end with examination results, good grades or performances.
“True growth lies in building their confidence, empathy, values and sense of purpose, not simply academic distinctions,” she emphasised.
According to the convener of annual education conference for teachers, parents and students, children thrive best when valued for who they are rather than what they score in examinations.
She said that total nurturing of a child would help them to face life’s challenges with courage and integrity.
Onuorah said that parenting must include listening, emotional support and guidance.
She advocated balancing academic pursuit with real-world learning through play, creativity, meaningful conversations and character building.
“These prepare them to excel in life’s bigger tests,” Onuorah said.
She said that while certificates might open doors, strong character, emotional strength and self-belief would keep those doors open and allow children to walk into opportunities.
Similarly, Mr Olaniyi Jemisoye, Proprietor of Jem’s Tutor, described a child’s holistic development to encompass emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth.
Jemisoye said that effective nurturing would prepare children to become well-rounded, capable and compassionate individuals, who would be able to withstand challenges and maximise opportunities rather than graduates lacking resilience or interpersonal skills.
“Nurturing builds critical life skills, including problem-solving ability, effective communication skill, emotional intelligence and creativity.
“These equip children to understand emotions, empathise with others and build strong and healthy relationships.
“Proper nurturing instils values, morals, and character, shaping decision-making. It also fosters resilience, adaptability and growth mindset, helping children to thrive despite a dynamic and competitive environment,” he added.
According to Jemisoye, nurturing fosters social responsibility, empathy and compassion and encourages curiosity, creativity and a love for learning, while ensuring that children become responsible and productive.
Mrs Doris Isaac, also an educationist, emphasised that holistic child development would require a collective effort, beginning from home with parents, and sustained through dedication and commitment of teachers in schools.
Isaac said that such a collaboration would foster confidence, resilience and self-esteem in children, enabling them to thrive in spite of challenges that might arise in their academic or personal journeys.
According to her, such a collaboration will go a long way in inspiring and building confidence and self-esteem in children. (NAN)
