EDUCATION FOR A BETTER NIGERIA: LESSONS FROM EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE

Abstract

This work sought to examine Plato’s and Aristotle’s aims of education and lessons that can be drawn from them to foster effective education for a better Nigeria. Plato and Aristotle were the pioneers of Western education. They saw education as indispensable for the formation of the ideal state. Their educational ideas were meant to reconstruct the socio-political situation of Athens during their time. Their positive contributions in the field of education, especially their educational aims, have relevant lessons for Nigerian education, which can lead to a better Nigeria. For Plato and Aristotle, the aims of education were to develop the minds, bodies and souls of students, as well as equip them with the ability to develop their potentials. Such lessons can provide Nigeria the reason to educate and elect good leaders. Plato and Aristotle sought to develop a political system in which the leaders would be knowledgeable and virtuous. These are big lessons from Plato’s and Aristotle’s aims of education which can help Nigeria to produce less corrupt and happy citizens who can make the state better. Proper education of Nigerian military will help them to be highly spirited, patriotic and strong. The high unemployment rate in Nigerian will be reduced for technical and vocational training learnt from educational aims of Plato and Aristotle. The education of the artisans and the citizens according to their needs and talents conforms to vocational training, which fosters skill acquisition for useful living in the society. Hence, the advancement of Nigeria and its citizens.