A Philosophical Exploration of Education and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on a philosophical exploration of education and poverty reduction in Nigeria. In the discourse, the concept of philosophy, education and poverty were explicated in order to have a clear understanding of their relationship. Related issues in the discourse include: the theoretical basis of education as well as the theoretical framework of society. With this insight, the paper discussed how education can contribute to poverty reduction and by so doing; the paper established the standard for measuring poverty reduction. The study noted that influencing factors on human behaviour and development which can influence poverty reduction include rationality, self-reliance, attitudes, and societal values to mention but a few. It was on these bases that the challenges to poverty reduction were highlighted. These challenges include: wrong value system, poor attitude to work and poor funding of education. The paper concluded that education policy makers should try to resolve the differences between individual and societal values and should explore the value basis of educational philosophy that direct and guide meaningful human actions. This can help to reduce poverty drastically. The paper recommended among others that our educational system should aim at making citizens economically more relevant and that the background of students should be broadened as a means of providing the tools to work them out of poverty.