Early Educational System In Nigeria
History of Education in Nigeria
The purpose of this first unit in the module on the history of education is to explore the origins of education and understand the significant characteristics of early educational systems. By studying the earliest educational systems, we can analyze their influences on later educational systems and examine what our own system has inherited from them.
The two major characteristics of the earliest systems of education were the teaching of religion and the promotion of the traditions of the people. Ancient educational systems, such as those in ancient Egypt and India, focused on imparting religious teachings and cultural practices to the younger generation. Temple schools in ancient Egypt taught religion, as well as subjects like writing, sciences, mathematics, and architecture. In India, education was primarily carried out by priests who taught Buddhist doctrines and spread them to other Asian countries.
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These characteristics of early educational systems are applicable to Nigerian traditional systems in several ways. In Nigerian traditional systems, religion played a significant role in education, with religious leaders or traditional priests being responsible for imparting knowledge and moral values to the younger generation. The preservation of cultural traditions and practices was also emphasized, as these systems aimed to pass down the customs, norms, and values of the society to the next generation.
From these earliest periods, we can learn the importance of integrating religion and cultural traditions into the educational process. The early systems recognized the value of imparting moral and ethical values alongside academic knowledge. Additionally, the emphasis on the transmission of cultural practices highlights the significance of preserving one’s cultural heritage and identity.
Overall, studying the earliest educational systems helps us understand the historical foundations of education and provides insights into the factors that have shaped our current educational systems. It reminds us of the enduring importance of imparting values, ethics, and cultural knowledge alongside academic instruction.
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1. The purpose of the first unit in the module on the history of education is to explore the __________ of education.
a) origins
b) challenges
c) innovations
2. The earliest known educational systems in history shared two major characteristics: teaching __________ and promoting the traditions of the people.
a) mathematics
b) science
c) religion
3. In ancient Egypt, education was primarily conducted in __________ schools.
a) temple
b) public
c) village
4. Temple schools in ancient Egypt taught both religion and the principles of __________.
a) architecture
b) painting
c) music
5. In India, the business of education was carried out by __________.
a) priests
b) warriors
c) merchants
6. The source of Buddhist doctrines that were taught in ancient Indian institutions and spread to various Asian countries was __________.
a) China
b) Japan
c) India
7. Ancient Chinese education emphasized philosophy, poetry, and __________.
a) science
b) mathematics
c) religion
8. The Chinese invented a system of civil-service examination over __________ years ago.
a) 500
b) 1,000
c) 2,000
9. The civil-service examination system in ancient China was used to select the best scholars for important positions in __________.
a) military
b) government
c) religious institutions
10. The two major characteristics of the earliest systems of education were teaching __________ and promoting the traditions of the people.
a) art
b) sports
c) religion
11. The preservation of cultural traditions and practices is emphasized in __________ traditional systems.
a) Nigerian
b) European
c) American
12. In Nigerian traditional systems, education was often conducted by __________.
a) farmers
b) elders
c) politicians
13. From the earliest periods of education, we can learn the importance of imparting values, ethics, and __________ knowledge.
a) scientific
b) cultural
c) technological
14. Studying the earliest educational systems helps us understand the historical foundations of education and provides insights into the factors that have shaped our __________ educational systems.
a) current
b) future
c) global
15. The earliest educational systems remind us of the enduring importance of imparting __________ alongside academic instruction.
a) languages
b) skills
c) values
1. What would you say is the purpose of this first unit?
The purpose of this first unit in the module on the history of education is to examine the significant characteristics of early educational systems and understand their influences on later educational systems. By studying the origins of education, we can gain insights into the historical foundations of our own educational system and learn how the past has shaped the present. This unit aims to provide a broader understanding of the evolution of education and the factors that have contributed to its development over time.
2. What are the two major characteristics of the earliest systems of education?
The two major characteristics of the earliest systems of education were:
1. Teaching Religion: The earliest educational systems focused on imparting religious teachings and beliefs. Religion played a central role in education, and the instruction of religious practices, rituals, and moral values was a key component of early education.
2. Promotion of Traditions: Early educational systems aimed to preserve and promote the traditions, customs, and cultural practices of the society. They emphasized the transmission of societal norms, values, and knowledge from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity and preservation of cultural heritage.
3. In what ways are these characteristics applicable to Nigerian traditional systems?
In Nigerian traditional systems, these characteristics of early educational systems are applicable in the following ways:
1. Teaching Religion: Religion holds significant importance in Nigerian traditional systems of education. Religious leaders, such as priests, play a central role in imparting religious teachings, values, and moral guidance to the younger generation. The instruction of religious practices, rituals, and beliefs is a fundamental aspect of education in Nigerian traditional systems.
2. Promotion of Traditions: Nigerian traditional systems of education place a strong emphasis on preserving and promoting cultural traditions. These systems aim to transmit cultural knowledge, customs, and values from one generation to the next. Through storytelling, folktales, music, dance, and other forms of cultural expressions, Nigerian traditional systems ensure the continuity and preservation of cultural heritage and identity.
The incorporation of religious teachings and the promotion of cultural traditions in Nigerian traditional systems align with the characteristics of the earliest educational systems. They reflect the importance of values, ethics, and the preservation of cultural identity in the educational process.
4. What can we learn today from these earliest periods?
We can learn several valuable lessons from the earliest periods of education:
1. Importance of Holistic Education: The earliest educational systems emphasized a holistic approach to education, encompassing not only academic knowledge but also moral values, ethics, and cultural practices. This highlights the significance of imparting a well-rounded education that nurtures the intellectual, moral, and social development of individuals.
2. Role of Religion and Values: Early educational systems recognized the role of religion in shaping individuals’ beliefs, values, and moral frameworks. They understood that education should not solely focus on intellectual growth but also include the development of ethical values and a sense of spirituality. This highlights the importance of integrating religious and moral education in contemporary educational systems.
3. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The early educational systems prioritized the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions, customs, and practices. They recognized the value of passing down cultural knowledge and identity to future generations. Today, this serves as a reminder of the significance of preserving our diverse cultural heritage and promoting cultural understanding and appreciation in education.
4. Long-lasting Influence: The early educational systems laid the foundation for subsequent educational systems. Many elements, such as the inclusion of religious education and the transmission of cultural practices, have continued to shape educational practices throughout history. Understanding this influence helps us appreciate the historical context and evolution of our own education systems.
5. Continuing Relevance: Despite the advancements and changes in education, the core principles and lessons from the earliest periods remain relevant today. The emphasis on character development, moral education, and cultural awareness can still guide contemporary educational practices to foster well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of identity, values, and community.
By studying the earliest periods of education, we can gain insights into the enduring principles and practices that have shaped education throughout history. These lessons can inform our current educational approaches, helping us develop comprehensive and culturally inclusive systems that prioritize the holistic development of individuals.
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