THE NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

THE NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION

The National policy on Education is a formal document produced by the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a guide to all the levels of education in the country.  The document which was first published in 1977 was a direct result of the National Curriculum Conference [8th -12 September 1969]. It has since then [1977] undergone some reviews: 1981, 1989, 1998 and 2004.

Importance of the National Policy on Education

1. It is truly a Nigerian focused policy on education;

2. It is used to address the major problem of the nation by the colonial government constitution in Nigeria. Hence, it laid foundation for national integration;

3. The National Policy on Education sets certain objectives for the nation [Nigeria] and the nation's education;

4. It gives a comprehensive structure of the nation's education from pre-primary, primary, secondary, technical, grammar, commercial, teacher education to post-secondary education;

5. It introduces a new system of education called the 6-3-3-4 system, which aims at realising a self-reliant and self-sufficient nation;

6. The National Policy on Education has a broad curriculum which aims at creating enough learning opportunity for all children, irrespective of gender, age, ability, class, interest, etc;

7. It makes education in Nigeria a full government enterprise and so gives the government a centralised control of education in the country;

8. Other relevant aspects of the nation's education are specified and their functions well stated. These include adult education, non-formal education, and special education;

9. The issue of funding in education is clearly presented, with the government accepting the bulk of all the expenditure on education;

10. It lays strong foundation for the 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria.