History

Nigeria had an educational program that it adopted from Britain when it gained independence before 1977. This policy was unpopular since it was unable to fulfill the needs of the nation. A National Curriculum Conference was held in 1969, during which the inherited curriculum was examined and new national objectives for Nigeria’s education were established. Under the leadership of Chief S. O. Adebo, the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) organized a national seminar in 1973. In 1977, the National Policy on Education was born as a result of this.

The National Policy on Education, among other things, offers management, standards, and directions for achieving the nation of Nigeria’s specified educational objectives.

Factors specific to Nigeria that prevent the implementation of educational policies

1. Insufficient political will

Nigerian presidents typically desire for their nation to excel in all areas, including education. However, there hasn’t been enough political will. Perhaps this is due to the instability or lack of continuity of the governments.

Various governments developed educational initiatives, but political unrest stymied or diminished the political will to put them into effect.

2. Corruption

If anything has significantly hampered Nigeria’s corporate progress, it is this infection known as “corruption.” In Nigeria, it permeates every sphere of human endeavor. Its prominence in Nigeria has given our country a bad reputation around the world.

Importance of National Policy on Education in Nigeria

It’s importance to Nigeria’s Basic Education

1. The National Policy on Education makes sure that kids who are old enough for basic education are given a variety of fundamental knowledge and skills that are crucial for entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and academic advancement.
2. The National Policy on Education in Nigeria also plays a significant role in basic education by helping young children learn how to participate in social development and civic engagement.
3. Inspiring national consciousness and peaceful coexistence in youngsters of basic education age is encouraged by the National Policy on Education.
4. The National Policy on Education also gives kids the chance to develop manipulative skills so they can contribute to society to the best of their abilities.
5. Children ages 0 to 4 in Early Child Care Development and Education must receive proper care, security, and security while their parents are at work, according to the National Policy on Education.
6. According to the guidelines of the National Policy on Education, social and moral norms and values are instilled in children between the ages of 0 and 4 during the early child care development and education phase.
7. The National Policy on Education guarantees a seamless transition from home to school for kids ages 0 to 4.
8. Assuring the development of the spirit of inquiry and creativity through, among other things, the study of nature, art, and the use of toys is another goal of the national policy of education for kids in the early child care development and education phase.
9. The National Policy on Education seeks to encourage positive behaviors in children between the ages of 0 and 4—including behaviors that are beneficial to their health.
10. The National Policy of Education makes sure that young children are taught the fundamentals of numbers, letters, colors, forms, and other concepts through play.
11. For effective teaching and learning, the National Policy on Education specifies that a teacher-to-student ratio be used in basic education.
12. The primary goals of the National Policy on Education are to develop literacy, numeracy, and effective communication skills in children.
13. Children who are old enough for primary education are encouraged to be patriotic, just, understanding, and united as a nation by national policy.
14. Children in the primary education age group are taught to enhance their capacity for environmental adaptation in accordance with the National Policy on Education.

The importance with regards to post-secondary education

1. The Basic Education Certificate and Junior Arabic and Islamic Studies Certificate holders are guaranteed access to higher education under the National Policy on Education, regardless of their gender, race, tribe, or socioeconomic status.
2. The Post-Basic Education and Career Development age group is one in which the National Policy on Education assures that a diverse curriculum is made available to accommodate the diversity in abilities, dispositions, opportunities, and future roles of students.
3. The National Policy on Education makes sure that students pursuing post-basic education and career development have access to educated labor in the fields of applied sciences, technology, and business.
4. The National Policy on Education sets out to achieve in Post-Basic Education and Career Growth in Nigeria the development and promotion of Nigerian languages, art, and culture.
5. The National Policy on Education in Nigeria makes sure that Post-Basic Education and Career Development students are motivated to strive for excellence and self-improvement.
6. The promotion of patriotism, national unity, and security education among students enrolled in Post-Basic Education and Career Development in Nigeria is another crucial function of the National Policy on Education.
7. The National Policy on Education established standards to guarantee that children are raised morally upright, well-adjusted, and capable of independent, logical thought as well as respect for other people’s opinions and feelings.

How the Nigerian National Policy on Education is important to Tertiary Education

1. Through high-level manpower training, the National Policy on Education ensures that tertiary education in Nigeria contributes to national growth.
2. In postsecondary institutions across Nigeria, the National Policy on Education promotes and encourages scholarships, entrepreneurship, and community service.
3. The National Policy on Education makes sure that students at Nigeria’s higher institutions receive excellent career guidance and lifelong learning opportunities that will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for independence and the job market.
4. By producing skilled labor that meets the needs of the labor market, the National Policy on Education through Tertiary Education in Nigeria seeks to address the country’s skills shortages.
5. In response to Nigerians’ needs and interests, the National Policy on Education seeks to offer opportunities for high-quality learning that are both inexpensive and accessible.
6. The significance of Nigeria’s national policy on innovative enterprise institutions
7. The National Policy on Education guarantees that post-secondary students who wish to pursue a trade or career are given the training and credentials necessary to do so.

Importance of Nigeria’s National Policy on Education for Special Needs

1. The National Policy on Education makes sure that individuals with special needs receive a sufficient education that will allow them to contribute their fair share to the nation’s progress.
2. The National Policy on Education guarantees that individuals with special needs have the opportunity to develop their talents at their own rate in order to further the development of the country.
3. The National Policy on Education specifies particular and suitable curricula for the various target populations.

Problems with the Nigerian Policy on Education

1. While most educational programs are well-focused, execution can be challenging due to poor planning.
2. Resources available for the execution of a certain educational policy are frequently underestimated, leading to hopes that never come true.
3. Studies have demonstrated that while educational policies are typically turned into plans before execution, the costs of adopting such plans are frequently underestimated.
4. In Nigeria, there isn’t reliable data to bring this policy to life. The implementation of educational plans has not been made any easier by this circumstance.
5. The interaction of politics, which can occasionally obscure the truth, frequently impedes the execution of educational initiatives.
6. In Nigeria’s overall educational system, there are not enough qualified teachers. This has previously been proven through studies to apply to both the secondary education program and the U.B.E. Scheme. Another indication comes from the postsecondary level of education when one lecturer teaches hundreds of pupils from lectures hung outside windows and doors.
7. Every school system needs fundamental amenities, including classrooms, offices, laboratories, workshops, libraries, power, water, etc. In the majority of Nigerian educational institutions, these have been proven to be utterly insufficient.
8. A lack of funding for executing educational initiatives.
9. Political will is lacking in the government for successful implementation.
10. The implementation of educational reform is hampered by corruption on all fronts.

Abbey

Abbey Johnson has a Masters degree as an engineer and has over 3 years of teaching and research experience. He is happiest when on a bike and is also interested in electric energy and computer Science.