The Role of Education in the Achievement of Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the concept of The role of education in the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria. It defined the concept of education and discussed the various systems of education which include: Traditional, Non Formal, Formal, and Informal education. Furthermore, it explains in details the conceptualization of sustainable development. It also delves into the concept of development, components of development, and the characteristics of development in a society and also the roles education will play in national development. Education should help the citizens to avoid waste of material and also turn agricultural waste into opportunities for job creation by means of recycling. Education should help people to have critical and reflective thinking of the past, consider the present and contemplate the future. Education for sustainable development should equip the populace with skills of peace and conflict resolution and respect for others. Education for sustainable development is meant to improve the economic sector and achieve economic growth in term of gross domestic products (GDP) per capital income. Education and sustainable development should also address issues such as insecurity and unemployment, create an enabling environment for business to prosper. The paper concluded by suggesting as the way forward that education should be given a priority by the Nigeria government, and that education should focus on human development and not infrastructural development