A comparative Analysis of secondary education in the Nigerian and Japanese educational systems
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Date
2012-11-10
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Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
This paper analysed comparatively the implementation and policy of secondary education in the Nigerian and Japanese educational system. Attempts were made to find out major similarities and differences in the philosophy and objectives, curriculum content, funding and administration of secondary education of both systems.The paper also investigated the historical, economic, political and socio-cultural sources of such similarities and differences.
A descriptive survey and historical research design were employed.Two instruments were developed, a questionnaire tagged "Questionnaire on Nigerian and Japanese Secondary Education" (QNJSE) and a structured interview for personnel at the Japanese Embassy in Abuja and Federal Ministry of Education, llorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. An observation schedule was also used and critical analysis of documents was done by the researcher to gather necessary information. Because of the open-ended nature of the research, 25 out of 51 policy makers and Educational administrators in the state and Federal Ministry of Education and officials at the Japanese Embassy in Lagos and Abuja were selected using a purposive sampling technique.
Data collected for the study were analysed. Percentage was used to analyse the research questions. Findings showed that there was a slight difference in the philosophy objectives, curriculum content, funding and administration of secondary education in both countries.The findings also revealed that a list of political, economic, historical and socio-cultural factors were responsible for the major similarities and differences. From the findings, lessons were drawn from Japan on how Nigeria can improve upon its educational system. Practical suggestion was proffered on how to improve secondary school education in Nigeria based on lessons from Japan.
For example, it was discovered that Japan incorporates its language and tradition into its educational system and policy. The Japanese secondary school curriculum encourages vocational and technical education. It was recommended that the philosophy of education in Nigeria should lay more emphasis on scientific and technological education, vocational and technical education and that the curriculum must be functional to cater for the needs of the child and the industrial need of the nation. Nigeria as a nation must also imbibe a maintenance culture.