10 Importance of Basic Education In Nigeria

Here in this post, we are going to discuss 10 importance of basic education in Nigeria. We hope you enjoy reading this informative piece.

It is no longer news the significant role education plays in the society. It is much talked about in the developed nations as well as the developing nations thereby amassing a lot of following on the course for a better and sound education.

Basic education is the core of a sound educational foundation. It is the major step towards building a sound mental system for the young learners within the age range of 6 years to 14 years.

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Basic education is the foundation upon which other levels of education are built and a necessary requirement for human and national progress. It is fundamental to human and national development.

Basic education brings growth and development to the young ones intellectual capacity as well as their morals, attitudes and how they relate to those around them.

Every child is entitled to have a qualitative and sound education for a more promising prospect. The basic education initiative was designed to ensure that adequate and qualitative education is directed towards achieving the nation’s objectives.

A country’s development lies solely in its educational system. The high standard of quality education in the nation will give rise to improved changes in the nation’s administration.

Read Also: 10 Problems of Universal Basic Education (UBE) in Nigeria and Possible Solutions

In Nigeria, the educational system is nothing to write home about because of its poor infrastructure and inadequate learning facilities as well as unqualified teachers which results to the falling standard in education .

It is completely unfounded that a child of 10 years old in Nigeria can not meet up to the standard of a 6 years old in most developed countries because his or her educational background is poorly built unlike that of the 6 years old who has that strong foundation due to basic education.

Though basic education is in operation in Nigeria but not every child are beneficiaries. The basic education was targeted at every child having a free, universal and compulsory basic education regardless of age, sex, ethnic or religious backgrounds, language or status but there are lots of children out of school because of financial constraints or religious sentiments which shouldn’t be so.

For a country to thrive, much attention should be given to the educational sector as future leaders are products of a qualitative educational system.

The foundation speaks of a strong building and if the foundation is lacking in the necessary quality materials then the building will tend to fall and this applies to children at the primary level who needs strong educational foundation so that in the long run it would be beneficial to themselves and the nation.

Basic education focuses mainly on the primary and junior secondary level. A reduction in the illiteracy rate starts with basic education. Being able to read and write reduces any form of personal insecurity.

Exposure to various subjects gives an insight on what children at the primary and junior secondary level will encounter in the future that might be used to solve some basic problems that might arise. Having knowledge about these subjects not only broaden their horizon but helps in developing their minds and impact positively on their general views of the world.

Read Also: Problems and Prospects of Universal Basic Education in Nigeria

10 Importance of Basic Education in Nigeria

The importance of basic education in Nigeria are:

1. Reduction in Illiteracy

Basic education helps to drastically reduce the rate of illiteracy in the society by equipping the young learners with the knowledge, skills and values needed to cope with the everyday societal issues.

Learning how to read, write and perform simple arithmetic calculations which is part of the day-to-day activities of everyday life will not only improve the country’s development but also that of the recipient of the basic education in the long run. Children in Nigeria could hugely benefit from using laptops for online classes since it will give them equal opportunities to participate in the educational process.

2. Effective Communication Skills

Basic education helps to inculcate in the young learners how to interact and relate with people around them and the school is a better platform where children from different backgrounds come together under one umbrella to receive basic teachings that would impact on them positively.

The ability of young learners to communicate effectively can enable them represent their school and the country in an international setup which is relevant to the social and economic development of the nation. It also helps to build eloquent individuals for a more literate society.

3. Rights of the Child

Basic education helps to enlighten young learners on their rights. It helps eradicate the gender inequality issue which gives the male gender advantage over the female.

Basic education ensures that every child irrespective of their sex, age, ethnic or religious inclinations, language or status have a free, universal and compulsory basic education which would see to a more civilized nation.

It reduces child labour, child trafficking and enables every child to be able to stand up for themselves and not be subjugated to any form of child abuse from the society at large.

4. Improved Learning Skills

Basic education helps to improve the learning skills of young learners on key subjects that would be of great importance to them in the future.

Subjects that would be further studied in the secondary and tertiary institutions that would propel them towards their career path.

Improved learning skills thereby raises creativity and productivity which would develop the society.

Read Also: Promotion of Science and Technology Education in Nigeria

5. Reduction Of Poverty

Illiteracy leads to high rate of poverty in the society. Basic education helps to reduce the rate of poverty by creating awareness of its benefits in the society.

With the millennium development goals which main purpose is to see that poverty is completely eradicated. Basic education is the major step towards curbing poverty.

6. It Creates Jobs

For a qualitative educational system, the services of a qualified teacher is needed and basic education helps to create jobs for teachers to help train and nurture these young minds so that they can have a solid educational foundation. This helps to reduce the unemployment rate and it contributes to the economic growth of the country.

7. Public health

Basic education helps to improve the health of the citizens through immunization, vaccinations and other form of medical practices that would reduce the spread of contagious diseases. Through basic education young learners would be prone to healthy habits that would prevent sickness and any form of disease.

8. Impact on Democracy

Basic education helps to impact on democracy, human rights, governance and political stability through increased understanding of non-violent ways to solve problems and mutual understanding between groups in conflict.

9. Basic education helps to develop sound standard of individual conduct and behavior thereby creating a good and upright citizen who obey the laws of the country and avoid criminal activities that would impede on the country’s progress.

10. Basic education ensures economic growth through increased creativity and productivity of individuals that would positively contribute to the economic growth of the nation.

Read Also: The Role of Education in Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

Conclusion

Basic education is important as it is a panacea for solving problems such as illiteracy, ignorance, religious violence, insecurity and political servitude and it is the fuel to a better society.

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