10 Influence of Existentialism in Nigeria Education

The philosophy of existentialism, which first appeared in the middle of the 20th century, places a strong focus on the freedom, responsibility, and choice of the individual. It has had a big influence on a lot of things, including education. Existentialism has had an impact on how education is viewed and provided in Nigeria, resulting in a new method of instructing and learning.InformationGuideNigeria

The change from rote learning and memorization to a more student-centred approach demonstrates the influence of existentialism on Nigeria’s educational system. With this strategy, teachers encourage students to take charge of their learning by emphasising the value of letting them examine their values and ideas. According to existentialist educators, education should provide pupils the power to make important decisions about their own lives and destinies. Many students in Nigeria have benefited from this shift toward a more customised approach to education since it enables them to improve their critical thinking abilities, creativity, and sense of purpose.

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What is Existentialism?

The philosophical and cultural movement known as existentialism first appeared in Europe around the middle of the 20th century. It is a philosophical perspective that places a strong emphasis on personal autonomy, free will, and the fundamental meaninglessness of life. Existentialists hold that each person develops their sense of meaning and purpose via experiences, choices, and actions.

The subjective character of reality and the human experience, as well as the significance of taking charge of one’s own life, are other themes that existentialists emphasise. They reject the assumption that there is a meaning or purpose to existence, and they reject the idea that people can be boiled down to a collection of impersonal characteristics.

The most well-known existentialist thinkers include Simone de Beauvoir, Martin Heidegger, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Additionally, existentialist theories have made a big difference in disciplines like psychology, literature, and cultural studies.

Theory of Existentialism

The philosophical movement known as existentialism places a strong emphasis on personal existence and freedom. It contends that each person defines their meaning and purpose for living and that, without that interpretation, existence has no real significance.

Existentialists hold that individuals must make decisions and assume responsibility for their lives because they are special beings that exist in a specific time and place. This freedom from external guidance in the form of universal laws and solutions may be both liberating and terrifying for people.

According to existentialist theory, people’s decisions and actions give the world its meaning rather than the world’s intrinsic meaning. This meaning varies from person to person and is not objective or universal.

Psychology, literature, and the arts are just a few of the disciplines that existentialism has had a profound influence on. The most well-known existentialist authors include Martin Heidegger, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

In conclusion, existentialism is a school of philosophy that places a strong emphasis on the value of one’s existence, freedom, and ability to make decisions in life.

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Characteristics of Existentialism

1. Existentialism places a strong emphasis on the individual’s distinct and subjective experiences as well as their accountability for determining their meaning and purpose in life.
2. Individuals have total freedom to make decisions that mould their life and choose their fate, according to existentialist philosophy.NYSC Portal
3. Existentialists emphasise the significance of becoming conscious of one’s existence and embracing life as it is.
4. Existentialists believe that the human condition is essentially ludicrous because of the conflict that exists between our search for meaning and life’s inherent meaninglessness.
5. Existentialists recognize the existential uneasiness that results from a lack of meaning and purpose in life. They also recognize the emotional issues that result from these problems.
6. Death is a key concept in existentialism and is viewed as the absolute end of human existence, compelling people to reflect on their mortality and the purpose of life.
7. Existentialists hold that rather than relying on established authorities or traditions, people should actively seek out meaning and purpose in life.
8. Authenticity: is important to existentialists because it helps people find meaning in their lives and avoid living inauthentic or fake ways.
9. Existentialism that all experiences are subjective and that there is no one universal truth or ultimate purpose to life.JAMB Portal
10. Humanism: Despite emphasising the individual, existentialism is also defined by a profound understanding of the human condition, as well as a dedication to enhancing other people’s lives and bringing about a better world.

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Examples of Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical school of thought that places a strong emphasis on the pursuit of meaning in a meaningless world as well as personal freedom, responsibility, and choice. Here are some illustrations of existentialist ideas in various media:

1. Literature

Classic works of existentialist literature include “The Stranger” by Albert Camus, “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett, and “Nausea” by Jean-Paul Sartre.

2. Film

The existentialist ideas of identity, freedom and the purpose of life are all explored in “The Matrix” and “Blade Runner.”

3. Art

The picture “The Scream” by Edvard Munch is frequently seen as an existentialist critique of the state of humanity.

4. Music

Jazz is frequently regarded as an expression of existentialist views due to its improvisational and free-form nature.

5. Philosophy

Some of the most important existentialist philosophers include Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

These are only a few instances of existentialist concepts being used in diverse mediums. The search for meaning in a meaningless world is the core topic of existentialism, which is present throughout a wide range of artistic and cultural production.

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An Overview of the Nigerian Education System

Primary, secondary, and university levels can be broadly distinguished in the Nigerian educational system.

Children in Nigeria who are 6 to 11 years old are eligible for primary education, which lasts six years. Students who want to enrol in secondary schools take the Common Entrance Examination at the end of primary school.

Junior Secondary (JSS) and Senior Secondary (SSS) levels of secondary education are offered in Nigeria for six years. Students who complete the SSS level then sit for the National Examination Council (NECO) or West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and mono-technics all offer tertiary education in Nigeria. Students must pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) well and satisfy the standards of their selected university to be admitted to a tertiary institution.

Nigeria is one of the biggest economies in Africa, yet the country’s education system still has problems with money, infrastructure, and a lack of trained professors. However, the government has been making improvements to the educational system in Nigeria through initiatives and reforms that would give more Nigerians access to high-quality education.

Influence of Existentialism in Nigeria Education

1. Awareness of personal freedom and accountability

Existentialism places a strong emphasis on the value of personal freedom and the associated accountability. The educational system in Nigeria is now more cognizant of these ideas, which encourages pupils to accept responsibility for their own lives and choices.200 Romantic Love Message

2. Critical thinking is stressed

Existentialism emphasises the value of critical thinking and challenges people to examine their beliefs and ideals. As a result, the Nigerian educational system now places more emphasis on critical thinking, encouraging autonomous thought and intellectual growth.

3. Personal experience

Existentialism emphasises the value of understanding one’s own experiences to give life purpose, and it acknowledges the significance of the personal experience. As a result, the Nigerian educational system now places more emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging hands-on and practical learning opportunities.

 4. Encouragement of originality and creativity

Existentialism upholds the notion that every person is endowed with a certain set of skills and abilities. This has pushed the Nigerian educational system to place more focus on encouraging creativity and uniqueness, as well as innovation and individuality.

5. Focus on self-discovery and personal development

Existentialism emphasises these concepts since it believes that each person must determine their meaning and purpose in life. This has caused the Nigerian educational system to place more emphasis on personal development, encouraging student progress and self-awareness.

 6. Diverse perspectives are valued

Existentialism emphasises the significance of taking into account different viewpoints and urges people to appreciate those of others. As a result, the Nigerian educational system now values diversity and inclusivity more, encouraging empathy and understanding.

7. Emphasis on authentic learning

Existentialism places a strong emphasis on the value of authenticity and encourages people to pursue their passions. As a result, the Nigerian educational system now places more emphasis on authentic learning, which encourages student involvement and motivation.

8. Reflective practice

This is important because it encourages people to think back on their experiences and choices, according to existentialism. This has caused the Nigerian educational system to place more focus on reflective activities, encouraging introspection and self-reflection.105 Good Morning Love Messages

9. Encouragement of personal responsibility

Existentialism places a high value on the idea that each person is in charge of their own life and decisions. As a result, the Nigerian educational system now places more stress on individual accountability and self-reliance.

10. The complexity of the human experience

Existentialism urges people to accept their complexity to recognize and respect the complexity of the human experience. As a result, the Nigerian educational system now recognizes the complexity of human existence more fully, encouraging students to have a more sophisticated understanding of what it means to be human.

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Conclusion

Existentialism has had a considerable impact on Nigeria’s educational system. The philosophy has inspired people to take charge of their lives and make decisions that are consistent with their unique personal values and beliefs. With the help of this strategy, students have been pushed to think critically and to be more reflective, which has helped them gain a greater awareness of both themselves and the world around them. Additionally, by encouraging students to think creatively and innovatively and to develop original solutions to issues, the emphasis on individual freedom and choice has contributed to the promotion of creativity and innovation in the classroom. Although implementing existentialist concepts into the educational system is not without its difficulties, overall the results have been favourable and have contributed to the development of a more enlightened and well-rounded student body.

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