Course Content
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: Define the concept and scope of the history of education. Explain the features and significance of traditional African education. Discuss the origins, structure, and impact of Islamic and Western education in Nigeria. Identify and analyze the contributions of major philosophers and educators (e.g., Socrates, Plato, Dewey). Evaluate the effects of colonial and missionary influences on Nigerian education. Understand the goals and outcomes of post-independence educational reforms in Nigeria. Recognize the relevance of historical perspectives to contemporary educational practice.
Module 1: Introduction to the History of Education
Definition and scope. Importance and relevance to teacher training. Historical methodology.
0/5
1.1 Definition and Scope of History of Education
1.2 Importance and Relevance to Teacher Training
1.3 Historical Methodology in Education
QUIZ On Historical Methodology in Education
00:03:00
Assignment Prompt
Module 2: Traditional African Education
Aims and objectives Teaching methods and curriculum Strengths and limitations
0/4
2.1: Aims and Objectives of Traditional African Education
2.2: Teaching Methods and Curriculum
2.3: Strengths and Limitations of Traditional African Education
QUIZ On Traditional African Education
00:03:00
Module 3: Islamic Education in Nigeria
• Origins and development • Curriculum and instructional methods • Contributions and challenges
0/5
3.1: Origins and Development of Islamic Education in Nigeria
3.2: Curriculum and Instructional Methods
3.3: Contributions and Challenges of Islamic Education
QUIZ On Islamic Education in Nigeria
00:03:00
Assignment Prompt
Module 4: Western Education in Nigeria
In this module, the following topics will be discussed in details: • Advent of missionary education • Colonial policies and their impact • Education ordinances and reforms
0/5
4.1: Advent of Missionary Education
4.2: Colonial Policies and Their Impact
4.3: Education Ordinances and Reforms
QUIZ On Western Education in Nigeria
00:03:00
Assignment Prompt
Module 5: Global History of Education
In this module, you will gain deep insight on: • Educational contributions of ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome) • European educational history and reforms • Prominent philosophers: Plato, Aristotle, Comenius, Rousseau, Dewey, etc.
0/5
5.1: Educational Contributions of Ancient Civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome)
5.2: European Educational History and Reforms
5.3: Prominent Philosophers and Educational Thinkers
QUIZ On Global History of Education
00:03:00
Assignment Prompt
Module 6: Post-Independence Educational Developments in Nigeria
This modules discusses insightfully the following • 1969 Curriculum Conference • Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Basic Education (UBE) • National Policy on Education • Contemporary challenges and reforms . Nigerian System of Education: Pre , Post and Current
0/6
6.1: The 1969 Curriculum Conference
6.2: UPE and UBE Programmes
6.3: National Policy on Education and Contemporary Challenges
6.4: Nigerian System of Education
QUIZ On Post-Independence Educational Developments in Nigeria
00:03:00
Assignment Prompt
Module 7: Contemporary Relevance of Historical Knowledge
This Module on Contemporary Relevance of Historical Knowledge will elaborate more on: • Lessons from history for educational policy and practice • Role of teachers in educational development
0/4
7.1: Lessons from History for Educational Policy and Practice
7.2: The Role of Teachers in Educational Development
QUIZ On Contemporary Relevance of Historical Knowledge
00:03:00
Assignment Prompt
PQE 001 – History of Education

6-5-2-3 System (Pre-1982)

This was Nigeria’s colonial-era model, influenced by the British system.

  • 6 years of Primary Education

  • 5 years of Secondary Education (including Teacher Training Colleges and Sixth Form)

  • 2 years of Higher School Certificate (HSC) or Advanced Level

  • 3+ years of Tertiary Education (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges)

🔎 Key Features:

  • Heavily academic and elitist

  • Limited vocational or technical training

  • Not well-aligned with Nigeria’s socio-economic realities

 

6-3-3-4 System (Introduced in 1982/83)

This was a major reform aimed at making education more functional and skill-oriented.

  • 6 years of Primary School

  • 3 years of Junior Secondary School (JSS)

  • 3 years of Senior Secondary School (SSS)

  • 4+ years of Tertiary Education

Objectives:

  • Emphasize vocational and technical education at the JSS level

  • Prepare students for entrepreneurship or further academic pursuits

  • Introduce continuous assessment and diversified curriculum

Challenges:

  • Poor implementation due to lack of infrastructure and trained teachers

  • Inconsistent curriculum delivery across states

 

9-3-4 System (Launched in 1999 under UBE)

This structure emerged from the Universal Basic Education (UBE) initiative.

  • 9 years of Basic Education (6 years Primary + 3 years JSS)

  • 3 years of Senior Secondary School

  • 4+ years of Tertiary Education

Why the Shift?

  • To ensure free, compulsory, and uninterrupted basic education

  • Align with global education standards (e.g., Education for All, MDGs/SDGs)

  • Reduce dropout rates and improve literacy

Notable Aspects:

  • Stronger focus on ICT, civic education, and life skills

  • Greater emphasis on inclusive education (e.g., for girls, nomads, and children with disabilities)

 

 

Comparison of Nigerian Education Systems

System Structure Era / Policy Origin Focus Curriculum Implication Teacher Training
6-5-2-3 6 Primary, 5 Secondary, 2 HSC, 3+ Tertiary Pre-1982 (Colonial Legacy) Academic elitism, British influence Theory-heavy, minimal vocational or civic content Oriented toward subject mastery; limited pedagogical diversity
6-3-3-4 6 Primary, 3 JSS, 3 SSS, 4+ Tertiary 1982 National Policy on Education Functional literacy, vocational training Introduced continuous assessment; expanded subjects (e.g., intro tech, business studies) Emphasized professional teacher education and retraining
9-3-4 9 Basic (6 Primary + 3 JSS), 3 SSS, 4+ Tertiary 1999 UBE Act & SDGs alignment Access, equity, inclusive education ICT integration, life skills, entrepreneurship, civic responsibilities Broader focus on inclusive strategies, special needs education, ICT proficiency

Trends in Curriculum Design and Pedagogy

  • Progressive Emphasis: From content-heavy models to learner-centered approaches.

  • Inclusivity: Shift to accommodate marginalized groups (e.g., girls, nomadic learners, children with disabilities).

  • Localization: Greater integration of Nigerian history, culture, and socio-political realities.

  • Competency-based Learning: Especially in the 6-3-3-4 and 9-3-4 systems, to enhance practical and entrepreneurial skills.

Impact on Teacher Education

The evolution prompted:

  • Expansions of Colleges of Education and faculties of education in universities.

  • Continuous professional development (CPD) systems via TRCN and UBE mandates.

  • Adaptation to digital pedagogy with emphasis on digital literacy, assessment reforms, and inclusive instruction.

 

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