International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VI, June 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Aims, Goals, Objectives and Tenets of Nigeria’s Philosophy of Education

Aloysius Ezeanolue¹, Dr. Geoffrey Chidi Onyebuchi¹, Dr. Ezewuzie Jideofor², Anyaeji Adaora Vivian^3
1Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria
²Department of Educational Foundations, Federal college of Education Technical Umunze, Nigeria
³Educational Management and Policy, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

Abstract:This paper examines the aims, goals, objectives and tenets of Nigeria’s philosophy of education. The connections between philosophy and education have been in evidence from earliest times. Philosophy and education are closely related. Education depends upon philosophy and philosophy depends upon education which is philosophy in action. All educational efforts need philosophy as a guide in the determination of their ends and means. Thus, philosophy serves as a light, source and influence for educational objectives. Philosophers have traditionally focused their critical attention on all aspects of the educational process. In a sense, this is only to be expected for it is impossible to investigate the phenomenon of human existence or ask questions about the best way for mankind to live without giving some considerations to topics concerned with the intellectual, aesthetic and moral development of individuals. More also, as education by nature is a process of change; philosophy gives a guide as it takes a long-term view of the future and what it obtains for both man and his society. The paper discusses the aims of Nigeria’s philosophy of education which are clarifying important educational issues and problems, the goals of Nigeria’s philosophy of education which are guiding the achievement of the Nigeria’s educational objectives, the objectives of Nigeria’s philosophy of education which are setting goals for Nigeria’s education bearing in mind people’s social needs and the tenets of Nigeria’s philosophy of education which are based on the integration of the individual into a sound and effective citizen through equal educational opportunities.

Keywords: Philosophy of education, Aims, Goals, and Objectives

I. INTRODUCTION

September 8-12, 1969, provided an important landmark in the educational development of Nigeria. Under the auspices of the Nigeria Educational Research Council (NERC), the search for a philosophy for Nigerian education was commenced in a National Curriculum Conference. The Conference was to deliberate on the objectives of education for Nigeria, covering primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education, teacher education, education for women, education for living, science and technology in national development. The conference was initiated, planned and executed by Nigerians, with participation by people, including non-Nigerians, from different walks of life. In its search for a national philosophy of education, the conference was to review the old and identify new goals for education in Nigeria, as well as providing guidelines on what the system should be accomplishing with respect to