Many aspiring trainee teachers enter the field of education intending to positively impact students’ lives. However, to be an effective educator one must have a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of teaching. This is where a book on the foundations of learning is invaluable.
Originally published in 1974, a comprehensive history of Nigerian Education, from early times right through to the time of publication, had long been needed by all concerned with Education in Nigeria, students, teachers and educational administrators. No one was better qualified than Professor Fafunwa to provide such a book, and in doing so he gave due emphasis to the beginnings of Education in its three main stages of indigenous, Muslim and Christian Education. Nigerian Education had been considered all too often as a comparatively recent phenomenon, but this book points out from the start that ‘Education is as old as Man himself in Africa’ and that both Islam and Christianity were comparative newcomers in the field. A historical treatment of these three strands which have combined to make up the modern Educational system was vital to a clear understanding of what was needed for the future, and most of the first half of the book is concerned with these Educational beginnings. The imposing of a foreign colonial system on this framework did not always lead to a happy fusion of the systems, and the successes and the failures are examined in detail. There was no shortage of documentary evidence in the form of reports and statistics during the decades prior to publication, but this evidence was frequently scattered and inaccessible to the student, so that the author’s careful selection of key evidence and reports, often drawn from his own personal experience, will be invaluable for those wishing to trace the development of Education in Nigeria up to the early 1970s. A knowledge of the history and development of the Nigerian Education system, of the numerous and intensely varied personalities and beliefs which have combined and often conflicted to shape it, is indispensable to all students in colleges and universities studying to become teachers. It is this knowledge that Professor Fafunwa set out to provide, drawing on his wide experience as teacher writer and educationalist.
This book, Education in Nigeria: Reflections and Global Perspectives, provides a broad overview of education in Nigeria. It recognizes the vital role education plays in the development of Nigeria and has attempted to air the concerns and call of the Nigerian public as well as educators for reform in the educational system in Nigeria. The book further recognizes that Nigerian education continues to be evolved, first into a system of Western European education and then into a global system of education. It attempts to examine the status of education in Nigeria and thereby seeks solutions by exploring Nigeria’s and global historical perspectives, current trends, and future directions regarding students and learning, teachers and teaching, the school curriculum, and administration of schools. It is expected that the comprehensive nature of the text will be beneficial to individuals in teacher preparation programs as well as those who plan to work with children in pre-kindergarten (nursery) through secondary settings. The chapter content of the book focuses on the variation of thought as to the principal objectives of educators to help students in Nigeria develop habits, skills and ideas, and help them to think. It adds to the importance of providing education to all, especially at the time when Nigeria is frankly making an eff ort to affirm democracy. For any nation to be truly democratic, it must maintain an educated electorate. Education prepares people to make informed decisions that affect the society. All children in Nigeria should, therefore, receive an education to prepare them to become effective members of the world society. This book seeks to examine and reflect on education in Nigeria and globally. “...are genuinely working in order to produce not only intelligent men and women, who will be cultured and skilled, but also the leaders who will adapt themselves to their environment, adjust themselves to the outside world and give direction and purpose to their people for the building of a modern nation, whose nationals must realize that they are destined to give leadership in many directions of human endeavour.” ~ Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, FMR President of Nigeria, speaking of progressive elements of Nigeria
This book presents key concepts, information and principles that should underlie the practice of adult education in African contexts. It assumes that adult educators should have a historical perspective on the current educational context, understand how the colonial experience has impacted on indigenous traditions and be aware of the philosophical underpinnings of adult education activities. The chapters introduce the foundations and history of adult education in Africa; philosophy and adult education; socio-cultural, political and economic environments; opportunities and access for adult learners; gender and development in adult education; adult education as a developing profession; information and communication technology; globalization and adult education; and policies and structures of lifelong learning
This book traces the evolution, expansion and changing provisions of the Cameroonian educational system through the various stages of the country's history, addressing policy issues, national developmental perspectives, and international constraints. This book should appeal to scholars interested in education, especially on the African continent, African history, and European influence in African society and history. for the provision of schools and the expansion of education in Cameroon. It offers an examination of the role of missionary agencies, successive colonial and national governments and private agencies (confessional and lay) in the establishment of schools within the context of social, economic, cultural and political obligations. Cameroon, like many African nations, can trace the origin of its formal education to evangelization and imperialism, both of which have greatly influenced the development, structure and content of its educational system. This book traces the evolution, expansion and changing provisions of this system through the various stages of the country's history, addressing policy issues, national developmental perspectives, and international constraints.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the problem of religious intolerance has become a worldwide problem. In todays pluralistic society, the dialogical tension between openness and identity has become a major challenge for interreligious dialogue and peaceful co-existence. This tension is expressed in the question, Can one maintain ones own religious identity without one closing oneself off from the other? This question is central to the challenges posed on how religious education can contribute to sustainable peace in Nigeria and the world over. In this book Stella Nneji critically assesses the various models of religious pedagogy (mono-religious, multi-religious and inter-religious) by asking how these models relate to the dialogical tension between openness and identity in Nigeriaa nation perceivably confronted with an enduring history of post-colonial strife, religious intolerance and violence. The contention is that the mono-religious and multi-religious models, which, while dominant in current practice and in academia, nevertheless fall short of expressing the authentic challenges and opportunities religious intolerance presents in Nigerian multi-religious/cultural context. In this connection, this book provides a clear notion of the theological foundation, principles, and framework of inter-religious education and a practical guide for authentic dialogue in a plural context. She calls for a paradigm shift for confessional religious pedagogy to a model of inter-religious learning as incorporated within the hermeneutical-communicative education. On this basis, the book proposes a new model for the role of religious education in Nigeria. This model in a critical-enculturated way, attempts to recognize the tensions of authentic religious difference, presupposing a broad spectrum of difference in the classroom in a way that also incorporates genuine religious encounters and expressions of identity.
Written by leading experts in African studies, this broad introduction to Nigeria follows the history of the republic from the early period to the present day. As Africa's most populated country and major world exporter of oil, Nigeria is a nation with considerable international importance—a role that is hampered by its economic underdevelopment and political instability. This book examines all major aspects of Nigeria's geography, politics, and culture, addressing the area's current attempts at building a strong nation, developing a robust economy, and stabilizing its domestic affairs. Perfect for students of African history, geography, anthropology, and political science, this guidebook provides an overview and history of Nigeria from the early period to contemporary times. Chapters focus on each region in the country; the government, economy and culture of Nigeria; the challenges and problems Nigerians face since the country's independence; and topics affecting everyday life, including music, food, etiquette, gender roles, and marriage.