Towards Actualizing Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria: Functional Education in Focus

Abstract

Nigeria has on daily basis experienced an upsurge of activities that threatens and endangers its national security. In recent times, the Nigerian nation suddenly metamorphosed into an abode of insecurity. Despite its abundant oil wealth, there has been unimaginable level of poverty, unemployment, inequality, poor infrastructure, lack of social amenities and negligible development in the region. In view of this scenario, the paper examines the major role played by functional education in achieving sustainable development in Nigeria. Findings from the paper reveal among others that, the security challenges in Nigeria have long historical antecedence and the crises and conflicts in various geo-political regions are the consequences of several years of exploitation, neglect and deliberate abandonment of the regions by successive governments. The paper therefore concludes and recommends amongst others that Government at all levels in Nigeria should continue their contributions towards achieving sustainable development, Recruitment and promotion of teachers should devoid of partisan, politics, ethnicity or religion, but must be based on qualification and efficiency, Creativity and innovation should be the focus on education rather than formality, knowledge regurgitation, certification, political undertone or political agenda. The formulation and effective implementation of policies capable of addressing the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria and that more efforts should be made by governments at all levels to improve the quality of human lives in their respective states and the nation at large.