Trace history of Nigerian social studies education

Answer 1

The history of Nigerian social studies education dates back to the colonial era when Nigeria was under British rule. During this period, the educational system was designed to serve the interests of the colonial masters, with a focus on providing basic literacy skills to a limited number of Nigerians.

1. Pre-Independence Era (before 1960): Social studies education in Nigeria was mainly influenced by the British colonial authorities. The curriculum emphasized the study of British history, language, and culture, with little attention given to Nigerian history or culture.

2. Post-Independence Era (1960-1979): After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, efforts were made to decolonize the education system and make it more reflective of Nigerian values and needs. The introduction of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme in 1976 aimed to provide free basic education to all Nigerian children.

3. The 1980s and 1990s: During this period, the Nigerian government made several reforms in social studies education. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) was established in 1981 to develop a national curriculum that would incorporate Nigerian history, culture, and values into the educational system.

4. The 2000s: In the early 2000s, there was an increased emphasis on civic education and the promotion of good citizenship in Nigerian social studies education. The National Policy on Education was revised in 2004 to reflect the changing needs of Nigerian society and to promote national unity and development through education.

5. Recent Developments: In recent years, the Nigerian government has continued to make efforts to improve social studies education. The curriculum has been revised to include subjects such as entrepreneurship, environmental education, and human rights. There is also a growing emphasis on the use of technology and digital resources in teaching social studies.

Overall, the history of Nigerian social studies education has evolved from a colonial legacy to a more inclusive and culturally relevant curriculum that aims to promote national development and social cohesion.