A Philosophical Analysis of the First Goal of The National Policy on Education: Implications for Education in a Pluralistic Nigerian Society
*UYANGA, Unwana-Obong Dominic
*EKPO, Nkereuwem Dominic
*Department of Educational Foundations,
Guidance and Counselling
University of Uyo
Abstract
This paper delves into a philosophical analysis of the first national goal as stated in the National Policy on Education with a view to clarifying the meaning of the concepts of freedom and democracy. Education is the instrument per excellence for the achievement of national goals which include the achievement of a free and democratic society, a just and egalitarian society among others. These concepts are very vague and multidimensional in meaning and applications especially in the field of education. This paper is an attempt to delve into the philosophical analyses of these concepts. The implications of these concepts for education in a pluralistic society like Nigeria are also discussed as the essence of the National Policy is to use education as an instrument to achieve the afore mentioned goal.
Key Words: Education, Freedom, Democracy and Pluralistic
Introduction
Education is a major instrument for national development as made obvious in developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, it has been stated clearly in its National Policy on Education, a document that has become the working tool for all levels of education in the Nigerian society. In order to achieve this goal of being an instrument for national development, there is a concurrent demand that huge investments must be made in education in the interest of the nation.
The National Policy on Education was first published as a working document in 1977 and then republished in 1983, 2004 and 2013 with some modifications on each latter edition. The latest edition of the National Policy on Education comprises of Early Childhood Education to cater for the needs of children between the ages of 0-2years (FGN, 2013)
Education is a life-long process as every individual learns new things every day, in and outside the school learning environment and the classroom. There are basically……………….. CONTINUE READING