Developing a Concept for Childhood Survival in Modern Nigeria

Abstract

[There are numerous problems facing childhood in contemporary Nigeria. This paper discusses the major features of the problems as they affect the two major institutions for socialisation, the family and the schools. The needs of the modern Nigerian child, especially for his future survival are highlighted. A description is given of the Child ren's Centre project which is now in operation in one of the Nigerian University Campuses. It serves as an interpretation of a new, positive concept of childhood survival necessary to meet the challenges posed on such a level in a developing country.]

The child is entitled to receive education which shall be free and com pulsory, at least in the elementary stages. He shall be given an education which will promote his general culture, and enable him on a basis of equal opportunity to develop his abilities, his individual judgement... The best interests of the child shall be the guiding principle of those res ponsible for his education and guidance... The child shall have full opportunity for play and recreation, which should be directed to the same purposes as education....

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Abiri, J.O.O. (1980) "The affective component of Human resource development in Nigeria" The Ilorin Lectures, Ilorin, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Adesina, S. (1977) Planning and Educational Development in Nigeria . Lagos: Educational Industries .

Awokoya, S.O. (1980) "The Crisis Child of our Time" The Horin Lectures Horin: University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Bagauda Seminar (1980) Perspectives of Quantities and Qualities in Nigerian Education Lagos : Nigeria Educational Research.

Bloom, B.S.S. (1976) Human Characteristics and School Learning, New York: McGraw Hill.

Deutsch, M. et al (1968), Social Class, Race and Psychological Development New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

Kalu, W. (1980) "The Social Environment" in Ohuche R. O. , and Otaala, B. (Ed.) The Child in the African Environment.

Fapohunda, O.J. & Mott, Frank (1976) "Enrollments and Teacher Implications of Compulsory. Free Primary Education in Nigeria, 1970-1990" in Research Bulletin No. 4/001, Human Resources Research Unit (Faculty of Social Sciences) Lagos: University of Lagos Nigeria.

Fafunwa, A. Babs (1974) History of Education in Nigeria London: George Allen & Unwin.

10.

Kalu, W.J. (1980) "Adolescent Adjustments in the Secondary School System. A Challenge in Nigerian Education" Review of Education , (in press).

11.

Laditan, A.A.O. (1980) "Socio-cultural and Economic Aspects of Malnutrition in Childhood". Journal of Africa Child Studies, Vol., 1, p. 9.

12.

Laye, C. (1954) The Dark Child. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

13.

Mottale, M.C. et al (1979) Children in the World (UNESCO SOURCE) Washington: Population Reference Bureau .

14.

Nwagwu, N.A. (1976) U.P.E. Issues, Prospects and Problems: Benin, Nigeria: Ethiope Publishing Company.

15.

National Policy on Education (1977) Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lagos. Nigeria.

16.

Rees, H.E. (1968) Deprivation and Compensatory Education New York: Houghton-Mifflin.

17.

Sankawule, W. (1979). The Rain and the Night, London : Macmillan.

18.

Temuru, Shenita (1980) "Mother and Child in Lagos Metropolis", Nigeria Magazine, 132-133, p. 3-22 Federal Ministry of Youth , Youth, Sports and Culture, Lagos .

19.

World Bank (1980) "Poverty and Human Development" in Part II World Development Report. Washington: U.S.A.

20.

Yesufu, T.M. , Sada, P. , Adegbola, O. (1974) "Some Aspects of Population and Housing Conditions in Lagos" Research Bulletin, 2/002, Human Resources Research Unit, University of Lagos, Nigeria.