SUSTAINABLE EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, THE NIGERIA EXPERIENCE
ABSTRACT
The researcher treated about sustainable Educational policies and National Development but giving more emphasis on Educational Policy because they are government programmes or action plan meant to review existing educational practice or introduce a new method aimed at enhancing a better educational pursuit for its citizens.
The impact of Educational policy makes man live and operate the way he does and his operational efficiency is best determined by his quality of education.
Lastly, it is said that without Educationally policy, there will be low productivity in the whole sector of the economy.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The nexus between education and national development is quite intrinsic. Education, as a process through which desirable knowledge, attitudes and activities are inculcated both formally and informally, provides the basic substratum for national development and ensures that national objectives are brought to fruition. Through this process, man’s intelligence is provided training of the right kind to enable him acquire the necessary values and act rationally for his own good and for that of his society. It is this all important function of education that compelled Alfred Whitehead (1997) to remark thus; “in the conditions of modern life, the rule is absolute; the race which does not value intelligence is doomed”. Thus, it is education that makes man live and operate the way he does. His operational efficacy is best determined by his quality of education. It is not surprising that the Nigerian Government has adopted education as an instrument par excellence for effective national development.
1.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND TO THE SUBJECT MATTER
Educational policy are government programmes or action plan meant to review existing educational practice or introduce a new method aimed at enhancing a better educational pursuit for its citizens. Prior to these policies, government involvement was not all that quite pronounced in the management of education. That is why in the introduction of this policy, it is clearly stated thus “Education in Nigeria is no more a private enterprise but a huge government venture that has witnessed a progressive evolution of government completely and dynamic intervention and active participation.
According to Walter Rodney (1992), “The import of the policy was that government was out for even and orderly development of the country, using education as its capstone. Dudley Seer (1991) remark thus; the policy does not only highlight the national policy on education but also provides a framework for the national objectives on which the policy derives.
1.2 PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER
A lot of problems is associated with this subject matter which include the following:
a. There is the danger of employing illiterates in the various sector of the economy if education is not introduced.
b. Lack of education is responsible for low productivity in the whole sector of the economy.
c. Without the help of education, one cannot be proficient in speaking and understanding languages apart from her mother tongue.
d. Satisfaction of other’s interest or even assuming a leadership role in a group would be made impossible without education.
e. According to Offoing Daniel A. (1980), Educational policy definitely places some children in disadvantaged position by making no provisions for free education.
1.3 PROBLEMS THAT THE STUDY WILL BE CONCERNED WITH
This study concerns a lot of problems which include the following:
a. Problem of finance: Finance has been identified as one of the major constrains of policy implementation in the country. Two sources for this problem have been identified as under-estimation of the costs of educational programmme and over-estimation of anticipated financial resources to find the programmes. Educational officials should be provided with enough find to make sure that educational policies are carried out efficiently and effectively.
b. Politicization of the policy is another problem: According to Segun Adesina (1983), “The political climate in the country has not been quite conducive to implement the policy. Political instability coupled with the reordering of priorities by new leaders often times led to trade union strikes. Political climate in the country must be stable for easy implementation of this policy.
c. Lack of trained personnel: Poor quality teachers also impair the effective operation of the national policy. Efforts should be made by the government to provide adequate curriculum experiences to enable students acquire requisite knowledge, attitudes and skills.
d. Problem of free education: This has been identified as one of the major constrains in educational policies and national development. Efforts must be made by the government to provide free education up to a given level which constituted the principal entry point to the labour force.
e. Problem of science and technological facilities: All these should be provided in our various schools for smooth educational system in our country.
1.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING THE AREA
This academic research work will be of immerse benefit to all stakeholders in education, the Academician, the student and teachers alike. It will be a veritable tool for the government in planning and implementing existing and subsequent policy as it provides a true picture of the problems on ground.
The following includes the importance of education. Makes one adapt to and control the environment, creates individuals differences, leads to language development, promotes moral development and leads to social development.
Efforts have been made in this piece of work to provide a tool of analysis to both administrators and policy makers who might need recommendations and suggestions provided in this work for proper planning.
1.5 DEFINITION OF IMPORTANT TERMS
1. Education: It can be define as all efforts towards the inculcation of the right attitude, habit, skill and knowledge necessary for proper adjustment in the society.
2. Development: Is the provision of amenities that will over time improve the socio-economic standard of the people.
3. Training: Is the moulding of a person to increase his fitness for a specific activity.
4. Modern life: It simply means new way of doing things.
5. Government: Means the action or manner of governing people eg democratic government has now replaced military rule.
6. Policy: Is a plan of action, statement of ideals adopted by a government or political party etc.
7. Stakeholder: They could be referred to as all levels of government, the rural people and non-governmental organizations that are involved in the administration and finance services provided by the government.
8. Planning: is the result envisaged, line of action to be followed, the stages to go through and methods used to outline proximate events and necessary actions taken to achieve the desired results.
REFERENCES
Alfred Whitehead (1997): Technological Development in Nigeria, Orientation and Relevance.
Walter Rodney (1992): How Europe under Developed Africa Washington D.C. Howard, University Press.
Dudley Seer (1991): National Policy on Education Lagos. Federal Ministry of Education.
Offoing Daniel A. 91980) Nigeria’s Economic Recovery Through Educational Re-Orientation.
Segun Adesina 91983): Planning and Educational Development in Nigeria.
