Modern Education In Nigeria Compared With Spartan Ancient Education
1. The major concepts of Spartan education were discipline, physical training, and preparation for warfare. It focused on developing strong and obedient citizens who were skilled in combat, resilient, and loyal to the state. The education system emphasized strict discipline, physical fitness, endurance, and military training from a young age.
2. The writer stresses that Spartan education is not suitable for our present world because it neglects other aspects of human development and societal progress. While military strength and discipline are important, a nation needs a balanced education system that promotes critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and diverse skill sets. Spartan education, with its sole focus on warfare, does not cultivate intellectual pursuits, artistic expressions, scientific advancements, or economic development. In today’s world, a nation’s success depends on various factors beyond military prowess.
I agree with the writer’s perspective. A well-rounded education system should prepare individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. While security and defense are important, a nation also needs to invest in education that fosters critical thinking, scientific inquiry, technological advancement, entrepreneurship, creativity, and cultural development. A focus solely on military training can hinder a nation’s ability to thrive in today’s globalized and rapidly evolving society.
3. For Nigeria in the twenty-first century, I would prescribe an education system that combines academic excellence with practical skills and a focus on holistic development. This would include:
a) Emphasis on STEM education: Nigeria can benefit from a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to foster innovation, problem-solving, and technological advancements. This would prepare the youth for the demands of the digital age and contribute to economic growth and competitiveness.
b) Entrepreneurship and vocational training: Nigeria can promote entrepreneurship and vocational training to equip students with practical skills and encourage self-employment. This would help reduce unemployment rates, boost economic productivity, and nurture a culture of innovation and creativity.
c) Arts and cultural education: Promoting arts and cultural education would preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, foster creativity, and provide a platform for self-expression. This can include music, dance, literature, and visual arts, encouraging cultural diversity and national identity.
d) Critical thinking and problem-solving: Education should emphasize critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities. This would enable students to approach challenges with creativity, innovation, and logical reasoning, preparing them for various career paths and lifelong learning.
e) Ethical and moral education: Education should also include a strong focus on ethical values, civic responsibility, and character development. Instilling integrity, empathy, and social consciousness in students can contribute to a just and harmonious society.
By adopting such an education system, Nigeria can empower its citizens to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development, foster economic growth, embrace technological advancements, preserve cultural heritage, and address societal challenges effectively.
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1. Spartan education promoted __________ and discipline.
a) creativity
b) physical fitness
c) luxury
2. Citizens were raised in Sparta not to expect a life of __________.
a) opulence and pleasure
b) discipline and severity
c) military prominence
3. Spartan education aimed to train youths to undergo a life of discipline and __________.
a) military prominence
b) critical thinking
c) luxury
4. The writer suggests that a nation solely training its citizens for war cannot __________.
a) dominate others
b) achieve greatness
c) survive
5. The writer emphasizes the importance of a calm atmosphere for __________.
a) military greatness
b) settling down and thinking of development
c) physical fitness
6. According to the writer, a truly great nation should focus on __________ and inventions.
a) military training
b) physical fitness
c) development
7. Spartan education is criticized for neglecting __________ pursuits.
a) artistic and intellectual
b) military and physical
c) discipline and severity
8. The writer suggests that countries known for military and industrial greatness engage their youths in training that __________ the body and the mind.
a) strengthens
b) neglects
c) indulges
9. Sparta is known for its lack of __________ from ancient times.
a) poems and drama pieces
b) military prominence
c) opulence and pleasure
10. The writer believes that a nation needs more than __________ to achieve greatness.
a) military dominance
b) critical thinking
c) physical fitness
11. Spartan education focuses on developing strong and __________ citizens.
a) obedient
b) indulgent
c) creative
12. The writer suggests that a nation of thinkers and inventors is better than a nation of __________.
a) boxers and assassins
b) military dominance
c) physical fitness
13. According to the writer, a nation needs a calm atmosphere to think of __________.
a) military training
b) development and inventions
c) opulence and pleasure
14. The writer believes that a nation solely training its citizens for war cannot achieve __________.
a) discipline
b) greatness
c) military prominence
15. The writer’s perspective on Spartan education is that it lacks __________ for a nation’s survival.
a) discipline and severity
b) physical fitness
c) creativity and intellectual pursuits
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