Introduction to the practices of western education in

Nigeria

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.

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.