Education and Philosophy in Nation Building: A Focus on Nigeria

The centrality of education and philosophy in nation building cannot be over emphasized. Education when rightly conceived forms the intellectual, moral, technical, and religious dimensions of the human person. Integral education makes the human person aware of his role in the society and hence to use his/her inner mind in its conscious acts of reflection and judgment for the interest of the common good. This study focuses on the necessity of education and philosophy in nation building with focus on Nigeria. Instead of leadership, it argues that the problem of Nigeria is the inadequacy of (informal) education and narratives for the pursuit of excellence – because education and storytelling impart basic human values. It proposes that the system and purpose of education should be re-visited. Children should be taught that they are trained to be a part in solving the problems of humanity, and stories of heroes should be fashioned for them as role models. Certificates should not be overemphasized above competence nor should certification be neglected. Further research is needed to fashion what it means to be Nigerian and who our heroes are.