Parents and School Proprietors Frustrating National Education Policy: What Should Stakeholders Do?

Abstract

Education in Nigeria is an instrument for national development. Hence, the country’s educational goals are clearly set out in terms of their relevance to the needs of the individuals and those of the society in cognisance with the realities of our environment and modern world. The paper clarified the concepts of Policy, National Policy and Educational Policy. Educational Policies are intended to encourage an education system that will be in keeping with the philosophy of national development. The paper employed an analytical approach to x-ray the flagrant violation of the National Policy on Education which envisaged that all children would remain in school until the completion of the primary school level. The rest of the education system is built upon it, thus making the primary level the key to success or failure of the whole system. The concern of psychologists was expressed. The specific factors that have brought this unacceptable situation about were unravelled. Finally, arising from the above the paper recommended the specific roles that stakeholders – parents, school proprietors, school administrators, classroom teachers, counsellors, supervisors and inspectors at Federal and State levels should play to normalise the situation.

Keywords: Policy, National Education Policy, Educational Policy, Parents, School Proprietors and Stakeholders.