Overview of the General Education System

Long before the introduction of western education in Nigeria, two different pre-colonial forms of education already existed. The Indigenous education, sometimes referred to as Traditional education, was being taught practical skills to children as young as 2 years old as they believe it develops the child’s intellectual and physical skills. Knowledge about agriculture training, crafting, wood carving for boys and domestic skills for girls are just some of the things taught. Even though the process involved is informal and purely oral, children are compulsory to attend this kind of education because it is being taught azt their own home. Another pre-colonial education existed was the religious education focusing on the Islamic religion that is dominant in Northern Nigeria. The introduction of Islam in the country dates back between 1349-1385 and eventually spread resulting in the said education. Aside from teachings of Qur’an, children learn how to read, write and even offer courses in psychology and philosophy. Nigeria's educational system was significantly impacted by Islamic education. When the British arrived, a new era of education began in Nigeria. Missionary schools were built in the years 1515-1580 introducing the western education to the country. Methodist missionaries established the first primary school in 1843 where it can consider the first formal education in Nigeria. The union of North and South Nigeria in 1914 has led to a demand for more schools and formal education. By 1948, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria's first university, has been established. However, because Islam was taught so widely in North Nigeria, there weren't many schools founded with a Western education. Still, attempts were made to open schools, and Nigeria's educational system has been evolving ever since. And after gaining independence in 1960, the government recognized the importance of education for its economic growth. Improvement of educational facilities, strengthening of the educational framework and guaranteed access to education for Nigerians regardless of status are the initial steps for this development. Nigeria is among the English-speaking countries in the world, making English its official language. Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa are some of the major languages used in the country but English is the primary medium of instruction being used. The Federal Ministry of education is the governing body responsible for overseeing the educational system in Nigeria from basic education to higher education. Among their responsibilities are to formulate education policy, curriculum development, and ensuring quality education is available to all. Liked most countries, compulsory education for children begins at the age of 6 in Nigeria. They spend the next 6 years in primary education until the age of 12 covering grades 1 to 6. A Primary School Leaving Certificate was rewarded to children who successfully completed their primary education. Entry into Junior Secondary education is automatic and compulsory because of the introduction of Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme in 1999 that provides free and compulsory education for primary and junior secondary children ages 6-15. Children ages 13-15 are included here and it spans for 3 years covering grades 7-9. Ath the end of Grade 9, a government-administered final exam is given to students where they must succeed in order to receive a Basic Education Certificate (BEC). For students who want to continue their study to Senior Secondary education, a Basic Education Certificate (BEC) is a requirement. This includes Grades 10–12 over an additional three years. Senior Secondary education is considered completed if the student has taken the Senior School Certificate Examination and passed it. A Senior Secondary Certificate is awarded to successful students. A Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is the admission test given to students who wanted to pursue Higher Education in Nigeria. Following the 6-3-3-4 educational system, a minimum of 4 years is required to have a degree. However, courses in medical field will usually last longer. Universities in Nigeria offers Bachelor’s, Master's, and Doctorate Program. Meanwhile, there are polytechnics institutions that offers 2-year courses and successful students were give Ordinary National Diplomas (OND).