EVOLUTION OF EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND LAWS: PERSPECTIVE OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING IN NIGERIA SCHOOL SYSTEM

Abstract

The Nigeria educational system is regulated by laws otherwise known as educational ordinances which derived it legitimacy from the constitution from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The colonial educational policy did not address adequately the aspiration of Nigerians. Hence, the 6-3-3-4 educational policy was introduced. The policy sought to introduce a functional technology – based education, which could sustain the economy. The Nigerian experience has a lot of implications for planners, who should be conscious of our local peculiarities, particularly the heterogeneous nature of the Nigerian society and the gap in level of educational development amongst the different segments of the society. It is essential for policy formulators to begin to initiate policies that will promote unity, equity and even development of education in the country. The thrust of this paper therefore seeks to give a historical account of educational legislation in Nigeria since 1882 when the first educational ordinances applicable to Nigeria was enacted and describes the legal rights and responsibilities of parents, teachers, school administrators, students and others stakeholders in educational sectors.