SOCIAL VICES AS HARBINGER OF NIGERIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM NEAR COMATOSE: A SOCIO-CIVIC SEARCHLIGHT

Abstract

The quest for a 'better society' is an indication that the present society does not worth its salt, the same goes for the need to rebrand the nation's educational system that is near comatose as exemplified by a number of indices, economic, political, social, security, health, globalization and modernization effects, societal stance, breakdown of the social structures, among others. The increasing wave of social vices that has crept into the educational sector and the resultant fallen standard of education is of more concern in the present society. Thus, manifestations of social vices in terms of total disregard for norms and values of the society, degradation of societal virtues as well as collapse of the social institutions is becoming harbinger of the fallen glory of the nation's ivory tower. The onus then lies on the academic community to rise up to the task of evolving a better society in particular and a worthwhile educational system as a whole. This can only become a reality through a number of activities especially, in the education sector which for the umpteen time, is described as instrument par excellence for achieving national objectives, better society inclusive. Reason for this cannot be far-fetched, there is symbiotic relationship between the society and the content of education at any point in time since the societal needs and aspirations determines the nature of education to be provided, thus, education curricular are drawn from such needs and aspirations. It was observed from the study that the Nigerian society has derailed from its erstwhile virtues with grave consequences on the education sector with the society replete of social vices and attendant consequences on education, economic, socio-cultural, political, and national development. It is therefore imperative to evolve a relevant curriculum to drive globally compliant education; ensure increased prioritization of education; total stoppage of watering down of school subjects; rejuvenates the nation's social institutions; pursue value re-orientation; deemphasize over-emphasis on certification, among others.