History Of Western Education In Nigeria – Advantages & Disadvantages

Western education dates far back to many years ago. Nigerians has turned out to be one of the best sets of educated people in the world today.

Western education has helped to open Nigeria a lot, from the time being of the colonial masters, they have made efforts that we Nigerians learn from their foreign ways. Although before then the local and traditional ways have been put in place to teach the kids the norms and customs of their land, when the western system came many parents insisted that their children learn from them. Before we check the importance of western education in Nigeria, let’s take a look at the history.

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HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Western education did not gain full recognition until the 20th century; the former colonial masters, the British commerce, and the Christian mission were all involved in putting western education into place. Many parents then did not release their female children to learn only the male was taught. The church missionary taught them the way of life and other things.

In the year 1843, the Nursery of infant church was established, the school is located in Badagry. The school was founded by Rev father Gomez, the Nursery infant school was later changed to the St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary school.

As time goes on when the country was developing, a host of others sprang up between the year 1859 to 1925. Schools like CMS grammar school, which was the first secondary school in Nigeria located in Lagos, the Methodist boys high school, Methodist girls high school, the Baptist Academy, the Abeokuta grammar school and many others.

The first higher institution in Nigeria was the Hope Waddle institute located in Calabar which was established in the year 1895. Western education was able to spread fast in Nigeria, as at then no one will find favour in the eyes of the white man if he or she did not send their child to school. The western education has helped to sharpen the students of the older generations and also the new ones. It made Nigerians be educationally accepted and also recognize all over the world.

Conclusion on our brief history of Western Education in Nigeria, it cannot seize to exist all over the world, it was a light brought into darkness and we all embraced it.

IMPORTANCE OF WESTERN EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

WESTERN EDUCATION IN NIGERIA ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE

Western education has come to stay in our lives, culture and the likes have taken a new turn compared to the time before colonialism. It has proven to be both a blessing and a curse as the years roll by. Western education has brought development to Nigeria in the following ways: { importance of western education in Nigeria advantage and disadvantage }

WESTERN EDUCATION IN NIGERIA ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGE

• 1. INDEPENDENCE

Western education has afforded Nigerians the possibility and attainment of independence from the British colonial masters. Nigerians then became educated enough to subtly pursue independence, thus giving birth to the first republic. This has been one of the greatest advantages.

• 2. INTERNATIONAL RELEVANCE

Nigeria has been placed in a position where she is internationally recognized due to the exploits of her citizens all over the world. An example of such exploits is the Nobel Prize for literature given to the literary icon, Wole Soyinka among many others. Nigerians also get to participate in international competitions due to the level of exposure western education has provided them.

• 3. INCREASED STANDARD OF LIVING

Our standard of living has indeed risen far above that of our ancestors in the pre-colonial era. We move with the rest of the world and imbibe current and trending lifestyle changes. One such example is the reduction in the number of children, an average family has through various family planning methods as compared to the very large nuclear households in the past.

• 4. IMPROVEMENT IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

There has been considerable improvement in the practice of science and technology in Nigeria due to western education. We have moved from the primitive way of life to a more sophisticated one through the application of various scientific techniques in solving problems. Bridges are being built, roads constructed, mobile technology being established and improved upon and so much more.

• 5. PROMISING FUTURE

Western education has not only gotten us to where we are, it also gives us hope of a promising future. With time, things would become better and hopefully, Nigeria would rise to the ranks of one the most developed countries in the world.

Despite all these advantages, western education has brought with it certain problems which are as follows:

Disadvantages Of Western Education ( Effects )

• 1. MORAL DECADENCE

Western education has caused a high level of immorality among Nigerians. Things like adultery, fornication, abortion, immoral dressing and the likes have become the order of the day.

• 2. DISJOINTED FAMILIES

The desire to keep up with the rest of the world and imbibe western culture had brought about families that are disjointed with little or no communication between parents and children and between spouses. The rate of divorce is also continually on the increase.

• 3. DEATH OF AFRICAN CULTURE AND TRADITION

The culture and tradition our ancestors held very dear during the pre-colonial era are fast running into extinction due to westernization in Nigeria.

• 4. INCONSISTENT SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE

The system of governance adopted by our ancestors was much more stable and there was less chaos than we have now. We have literally struggled from one government to another.

• 5. COMPLACENT YOUTHS

Youths have abandoned agriculture which used to be the mainstay of the economy in search of white collar jobs due to western education.

All in all, Nigerians should use this form of education as a tool to bring about national development while preserving our culture, norms, and tradition for a better Nation.

That’s all on Brief History of Western Education In Nigeria Advantage and Disadvantage

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