Human Capital Development as a Strategy for Sustainable Development in the Nigerian Education System

Abstract

This paper critically examined how human capital development could be a strategy or a catalyst for sustainable development in the Nigerian education system. The presentation by necessary implication involved an examination of the concepts of human capital development, sustainable development, quality education and of how an interplay between these can lead to the attainment of sustainable development in the Nigerian Education System. The educational implications are numerous and notably amongst them are provision of on-the-job training, improved infrastructure and proper manpower planning as improper manpower planning results in unemployment and underemployment. The paper was concluded by recommending that to ensure quality and sustainable development in the education system in Nigeria, the government in collaboration with the curriculum designers should ensure that students are trained to be more skilful and independent. More so, the dimensions to quality education and human development such as equity, contextualization and relevance, child-friendly teaching and learning, sustainability etc. should not be taken for granted as this will ensure achievement of sustainability in the education system in Nigeria.

Key Words: Quality education, Human Capital Development, Economic Growth, Functional Education, Sustainable Development