Education in Nigeria
Education is the greatest force that can be used to bring about change. It is also
the greatest investment that a nation can make for the quick development of its
economic, political, sociological and human resources.
It was in realisation of this that a National Policy on Education was formulated
for the country. The policy seeks the inculcation of national consciousness and
national unity; the inculcation of the right type of values and attitudes for the
survival of the individual and the Nigerian society; the training of the mind in
understanding of the world around; and the acquisition of appropriate skills, abilities
and competence both mental and physical as equipment for the individual to live
in and contribute to the development of his society.
In order to preserve the culture of the people, government of Nigeria encourages
the learning of at least one major Nigerian language - Hausa, lgbo and Yoruba in
schools. In addition to the English language, which is the official language in
Nigeria and the medium of instruction in Nigerian educational institutions, students
are encouraged to learn the French language as a matter of policy.
Pre-Primary Education
This is referred to as the education given to children aged three to five years
prior to their entering primary school. This type of education is currently being
provided for mainly in privately owned institutions. Day care centres also exist
for children below the age of two. The pre-primary schools are mainly concentrated
in urban and semi-urban areas where there are working mothers who have no relation
nor house-helps to take care of their children.
Primary Education
This is education given normally to children aged between six and eleven years and
above. Since the rest of the educational system is built upon it, the primary level
is the key to the success or failure of the whole system. The state and local governments have the constitutional responsibility for primary
education but private sector, represented by individuals, communities, religious
groups, and voluntary agencies are permitted to own and run primary schools. Private
schools usually charge fees whilst public schools charge only a token amount in
fees. Parents provide uniforms, text-books and other school materials in both private
and public schools.