Education and Philosophy in Nation Building: A Focus on Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Education and Philosophy in Nation Building: A Focus on Nigeria

Emmanuel N. Ogu, OP & Frederick Ifeanyi Obananya, OP
Dominican University Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract:- The centrality of education and philosophy in nation building cannot be over emphasized. Education when rightly conceived forms the intellectual, moral, technical, and religious dimensions of the human person. Integral education makes the human person aware of his role in the society and hence to use his/her inner mind in its conscious acts of reflection and judgment for the interest of the common good. This study focuses on the necessity of education and philosophy in nation building with focus on Nigeria. Instead of leadership, it argues that the problem of Nigeria is the inadequacy of (informal) education and narratives for the pursuit of excellence – because education and storytelling impart basic human values. It proposes that the system and purpose of education should be re-visited. Children should be taught that they are trained to be a part in solving the problems of humanity, and stories of heroes should be fashioned for them as role models. Certificates should not be overemphasized above competence nor should certification be neglected. Further research is needed to fashion what it means to be Nigerian and who our heroes are.

I. INTRODUCTION

Many of the conflicts that have occurred in Nigeria can be linked to either political instability, economic inequality, or deficient religious education. The failure of the state to properly manage the land, its natural, and human resource leads to agitations in the country. These tensions arise due to some perceived acts of marginalization and insecurity. Lack of quality governance and transparency, ethnic rivalry, religious extremism, declining economic conditions and proliferation of small arms and light weapons are the six drivers of conflict and insecurity in the country. These are different instances of incompetency in the state, but basic to it, if I may say, is a lack of basic human values.

Educators, parents, and all who seek a better Nigeria ought to make a conscious effort towards a change of mentality regarding both our dealings with one another and the reason for formal education. There is political instability, bad governance, and ethnic rivalry because success (not excluding education) in Nigeria is viewed through the lens of “wealth” rather than service to humanity. From this point of view, only the individual matters. Stories are not told of men and women who lived their lives in pursuit of excellence; and excellence is not rewarded thus it is not attractive.

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