RETHINKING EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: APPLYING UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY FOR COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

The Nigerian education system faces significant challenges, including outdated curricula, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning resources, and deepening social disparities. These issues are exacerbated by an overemphasis on individual achievement rather than collective development, resulting in an educational model that often fails to address the broader needs of society. While numerous educational theories and strategies have been proposed to address these challenges, the Ubuntu philosophy, rooted in African communal values, presents a transformative alternative. With its focus on interconnectedness, shared humanity, and collective well-being, Ubuntu provides a framework for a more inclusive, culturally relevant, and socially responsive education system. It shifts the purpose of education from mere personal advancement to fostering empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility. This paper, using qualitative approach, examines how the Ubuntu philosophy can be applied in Nigerian education to promote community-driven learning, mutual respect, and social accountability. By embedding Ubuntu principles into curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and educational policies, the study proposes a reimagined education system that not only addresses individual learner needs but also responds to the demands of society. Such an approach aims to bridge cultural divides, reduce social inequalities, and nurture a sense of unity and equity in Nigeria's diverse society.