APPRAISAL OF NIGERIA FORMAL EDUCATION WITH THE 6-3-3-4 SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN FOCUS: IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL PLANNING

Abstract

This paper traced the development of education in Nigeria before the colonial period, through pre independents, post independence, and to the present day. It appraised the various periods in the educational life of the country. It recorded how education grew gradually from the imperialist and missionaries, who were solely in charge of education between 1842 -1959. Before independence in Nigeria, education was patterned after the English culture and values. Nigerian culture and linguistics were completely kept out of the system. After independence in 1960, various bodies were established, which eventually reshaped Nigeria education to suit the needs, interest and aspiration of the Nigerian people. Amongst these was the white paper issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1977 on the National Policy on Education. This therefore ushered in the 6-3-3-4 system of education. The 6-3-3-4 system could not be fully implemented because of the challenges it had from its unset. Some of these challenges include; lack of fund, corruption, lack of qualified and trained teaching personnel, among others. Also, some notable suggestions on how to avert future problems and their implications on educational planning and implementation were highlighted. These include; proper funding of education, organization of comprehensive training for teachers, depoliticisation of education, employment of competent guidance and counselors in schools amongst others.