Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Perceived Role of Literacy and Its Attendant Problems in Nigeria |
Author: | Godonoo, Prosper |
Year: | 1991 |
Periodical: | Ufahamu |
Volume: | 19 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 80-91 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | reading curriculum Education and Oral Traditions |
Abstract: | This paper renders an overview of the role that literacy plays in shaping or moulding the Nigerian community. Literacy is viewed as a means by which such societal ills as poverty, destitution, etc. can be alleviated, thereby serving as a tool for societal and individual improvement. After an examination of the definition and history of literacy, a brief synopsis is given of the relationship between literacy and development in the Nigerian context. Next, the paper examines an educational structure which is known as the 6-3-3-4 programme in Nigeria. The genesis of this system can be traced to a 1969 national conference of educators. Its structure suggests six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary school, three years of senior high school, and four years of university education. Laudable as this new system of education may seem in meeting the educational demands and priorities of Nigeria, many factors may arise during the actual implementation of the programme that can pose serious threats to the survival of the system and to national development. These factors include the fact that education in Nigeria is a highly politicized affair; statistical constraints; financial constraints; quantitative and qualitative human resource constraints; lack of facilities; inadequate publicity. In conclusion, some suggestions are offered that may help improve the task of effecting changes in the educational system. Ref. |