Universal Basic Education in Nigeria: An Exploration of the Grounds of Misgivings

Abstract

The authors of this work inquire into the aberrations in the universal basic education (UBE) program in Nigeria with particular reference to the type of philosophy that underpin it. The outcome is that there is an over-whelming influence of pragmatism and empiricism in the UBE scheme; that pragmatism and empiricism were borrowed from British and American philosophy which do not really suit the Nigerian experience. The crux of the Nigerian problems is corruption which cannot be conquered through mere material change offered by the pragmatist and empiricist education. Spiritual and moral changes are necessary weapons against corruption. Consequently, the authors advocate that Nigerian education must transcend pragmatism and empiricism to idealism which emphasizes moral and spiritual development of learners.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n4p69