Education plays a crucial role in shaping a society’s future, and Nigeria is no exception. Understanding the history of education in Nigeria provides valuable insights into its development and challenges. This article delves into the origins of education in Nigeria, its transformation over time, challenges faced, and the current state of the educational system.
Education Before the Arrival of Westerners:
Before the arrival of European colonizers, education in Nigeria was primarily informal, focusing on imparting cultural, social, and practical skills. Communities shared knowledge through storytelling, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences. However, some societies did offer formal teachings of their cultural practices.
Formal Education’s Introduction:
Formal education in Nigeria started with the arrival of European missionaries in the 1840s. The Methodist missionaries established the first primary school in Lagos in 1843, followed by the CMS grammar school in Lagos in 1854, marking the inception of secondary education. The North predominantly practiced Islamic education, where young children were taught religious teachings and the Arabic alphabet by Islamic leaders called Mallams.
Educational Growth and Expansion:
Over the years, formal education saw significant growth. By 1947, primary school enrollment in the Northern region was 66,000, while the Western and Eastern regions had 240,000 and 320,000 students respectively. By 1957, these numbers had dramatically risen, with the Northern region enrolling 206,000 students, the Western region 983,000, and the Eastern region 1,209,000. The number of secondary schools also increased from 10,000 to 36,000 during this decade.
The Establishment of the First University:
The University College Ibadan, founded in 1948, marked the establishment of higher education in Nigeria. It began with faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine. The university aimed to provide quality education while aligning with international standards, as evidenced by its faculty of medicine being linked to the University of London.
The British Influence:
The British introduced English Education as a form of Modern Education in the 19th century. English was often used as the medium of instruction, particularly in schools established by missionaries. Some schools integrated English with local languages to teach the curriculum effectively.
The Nigerian Education System:
Nigeria’s education system currently follows a 6-3-3-4 formula, encompassing one year of pre-primary education, six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary education, three years of senior secondary education, and a minimum of four years of tertiary education. This system was introduced in 1983 to address citizens’ educational needs and equip them with essential skills.
Challenges and Recent Changes:
Despite its growth, Nigeria’s education system faces challenges due to poor implementation. In an attempt to address these issues, a new educational system called Universal Basic Education (UBE) was introduced, following a 9-3-4 structure. The UBE aims to improve teaching quality, eliminate teacher shortages, and achieve education for all.
Education Governance:
Educational facilities in Nigeria are managed by both the government and private stakeholders. The Federal Ministry of Education oversees public and private educational institutions, with federal and state governments managing tertiary and secondary levels, while local governments oversee pre-primary and primary levels.
Conclusion:
Education in Nigeria has come a long way, evolving from informal cultural teachings to a formalized system with global standards. Despite challenges, education remains a vital sector contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Understanding the history of education is crucial for driving positive changes in the future, ensuring that students and teachers can collectively shape a better educational system for the nation. Subscribe to EduPadi’s newsletter for the latest updates and share this article to contribute to the discourse on Nigeria’s educational journey.