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Education in Nigeria

by Vishal Kumar

Nigeria has made considerable progress in the domain of education. The education system in the country is supervised by the state. There are 27 federal and state-owned polytechnics in Nigeria. The first 6 years of primary education are mandatory in Nigeria.

Nigeria is making a steady progress in the development of education. Many universities and schools have been established by the state. However, much still needs to be done.

Primary education in Nigeria is in the native language but brings in English in the third year. Higher Education has developed considerably over the years, which has resulted in a healthy literacy rate

Quick facts on Education in Nigeria

  • Education in Nigeria is managed by the state.
  • There are 27 federal and state-owned polytechnics in Nigeria
  • The present literacy rate is estimated at 72%.
  • The first 6 years of primary education are mandatory in Nigeria.

 

Universities in Nigeria

Some of the important educational institutions of Nigeria are:

  • Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
  • Bayero University
  • Government College of Ibadan
  • Lagos Business School
  • Obafemi Awolowo University
  • University of Benin
  • University of Lagos
  • Yaba College of Technology

 

Nigerian Education System

At present, along with a number of state universities, colleges, and schools, the Nigerian local and state governments manage primary and secondary education. Higher education in Nigeria is the responsibility of both the federal and the state governments.

 

The formal education system in Nigeria includes:

  • 6 years of primary schooling
  • 3 years of junior secondary schooling
  • 3 years of senior secondary schooling, and
  • 4 years of university education, finally directing toward a bachelor’s level degree in the majority of the subjects.

The annual term of school in Nigeria is ten months, and is sectioned into three ten- to twelve-week periods, each at the pre-primary, primary, junior and senior secondary stages.

 

History of Nigerian Education

The Nigerian education system started slowly but soundly developing during the colonial time until the conclusion of World War II. The Christian missionaries introduced the western education system in Nigeria in the mid-nineteenth century.

In 1990, three fundamentally distinct education systems existed in Nigeria – the indigenous system, the Quranic schools, and formal European-style educational institutions. Higher Education in Nigeria originated with the colonial government launching the Yaba Higher College in 1934.

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According to the 1979 constitution, education in Nigeria became the responsibility of the state and local councils. The first 6 years of primary education were made mandatory, which was a significant factor in the development of education in Nigeria. There has been a noticeable upgrading of educational facilities in Nigeria in recent years.