POVERTY, CORRUPTION AND THE CHALLENGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The history of education in Nigeria, no doubt, is fraught with myriads of problems. These systemic problems, contrary to arguments by some scholars, have rather dragged education in Nigeria to the mud. The resultant effects of such dilapidation can be seen in the constant attempt by young Nigerians to acquire education outside the shores of Nigeria, underdevelopment, inequality etc. The reality of the Nigerian society has rendered the post independence educational policies incapable of addressing the challenges of Nigeria's educational system. Being that the cogs in the wheel of educational development in Nigeria is systematic; an attentive mind is therefore compelled to ask: how does corruption and poverty affect education in Nigeria? What is the role of politics in the degradation of education in the present day Nigeria? Apparently, is the certificate of greater value than knowledge? Using the method of analysis, this work brings to limelight and lucidly portrays that corruption and poverty play significant role in the state of education in Nigeria in the same way poor funding, poor parenting and background amongst other factors contribute to the downward plunge of our educational system. This work, conclusively, recommends that conscientious effort be made towards the eradication of poverty and corruption amongst others substructures militating against educational development in Nigeria.