ANALYSIS OF PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

The Paper critically analyses the tenets of progressive education and its implications for the Nigerian educational system. This was hinged on the background of essential education which explicated besides the definitions of the concept of education. This is with particular reference to that given by Dewey as quoted by Akinpelu. The essentially education came to limelight with the advent of British Colonial Masters in Nigeria. In addition, progressive education via-a via Nigerian educational system was examined. The implication of progressive education for Nigerian educational system was also analyzed with reference to the relevant sections of the National Policy on Education (NPE) and the Universal Basic Education (UBE). It was concluded that traces of essential education still abound in Nigerian educational system in Spite of its progressive approach as demonstrated in the NPE. The major problem lies in the implementation of the provisions in the NPE and UBE as it relates to the progressive approach to education. Recommendations were therefore, made to reposition our educational system for more practical results some of which are that Nigerian government should intensify efforts to identify a particular philosophy which our educational system must be based, in addition to a functional system of education that guarantees employment opportunities for the nation's graduates in order to reduce the poverty level of the nation's citizens.