Innovation and Integration for Future Development of Teacher Education in Basic Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Education is widely regarded as the route to economic prosperity, the key to scientific and technological advancement, the means to combat unemployment, and the foundation of social equity. Based on this fact, the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other developing countries, has at different times made frantic efforts to increase the number of children enrolled in basic education schools, though there are still many more who are not enrolled and who do not complete the programme. Basic education system in Nigeria was designed as 6-3-3-4 and is now transformed to 9-3-4 education from primary school level to Junior Secondary School and university. It is the role of the government to provide an enabling environment for teachers and learners, such as good classrooms, in a quiet and child-friendly environment that would accommodate all categories of pupils. It is the responsibility of the government to provide competent teachers to facilitate the teaching and learning in a more effective manner. Adequate teachers should be employed at least to the ratio of 30 pupils to a teacher. in addition, the government should provide rural infrastructure and amenities that can facilitate learning; good roads to schools; teaching and learning materials, including registers, diaries, notebooks, desks, chairs and maps; and make them available. This paper discusses the innovation and integration for future development of teacher education in basic education in Nigeria. Basic concept of Education were discussed, and the Objectives of Basic Education were highlighted. Innovations and integration for future development of teacher education were considered necessary in the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Program in Nigeria. The needs for integration of basic education in Nigeria were discussed. Challenges facing the innovations and integrations for teacher education were stated and a conclusion was made and suggestions were proffered for the way forward. Some, among others, are the federal government should provide the bulk of funds in line with UNESCO budget recommendations of 26% funding for education, while the state and local governments assist sufficiently and also ensure proper management of the funds available; that would definitely ensure system effectiveness.