Professor Olumide Olakunle Ige is a distinguished Professor of Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Studies at the University of Lagos, with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and educational leadership.

 He is widely recognized for his contributions to child development, inclusive education, curriculum innovation, teacher professional development, and equitable learning opportunities.

Professor Ige earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies/Early Childhood Education from the University of Lagos in 2011, following a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, equipping him with a unique blend of pedagogical, research, and communication expertise.

He has published extensively in reputable journals, authored training manuals and policy briefs, and contributed to evidence-informed educational discourse in Nigeria and across Africa.
As a mentor, Professor Ige has supervised thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students who now serve in academia, education, and development sectors.
A foremost member and director of several professional organisations and initiatives, he has collaborated with national and international agencies including UNICEF, UBEC, and SUBEBs, focusing on foundational education reforms, teacher induction, and school improvement programmes.
He is also the founder of the Childworld Initiative, which delivers community-based educational access, professional development for teachers and caregivers, and support for vulnerable and marginalized children.

Through his scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, Professor Ige continues to shape education policy, practice, and research at local, national, and international levels. He is celebrated as a scholar, mentor, and advocate for inclusive, ethical, and child-centred education.