Nigerian philosophy of education is a reflection of the country's democratic way of life. Nigeria as one of its national objectives the building of a free and democratic society. In effect, the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of property and family life, and many others. It is therefore generally believed that the Nigerian philosophy of education should uphold and reflect the country's ways of life.
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Democratic education is an education that is based on a sound principle of freedom of choice and freedom of action on the part of the people. In other words, the citizens of a democratic country should be free to send their children to educational institutions of their choice at all levels. The children should be free to study the subjects that they are most capable to study. Democracy is eroded when children who qualify for admission to a particular institutions are denied admission while those who are less qualified are admitted.
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Democracy is also eroded when children are compelled to study the subjects they are least interested in. It is also eroded when, at higher level, they are forced to do course or programmes that are not beneficial to them or to the society. In the school, teachers and headteachers can Encourage the development of a democratic attitude by encouraging learners to express their opinions without fear. The classroom could be made relaxed if teachers are more tolerant of learners mistake. Teachers should also encourage productive ground work because cooperation is essential to democracy.
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DYNAMIC ECONOMY
Nigeria also has as one of its main objectives, the building of a great and dynamic economy. The implication of this for a democratic society is that all economic activities would be liberalized. in effect, individual citizens or groups of citizens would be free to carry out their economic activities with maximum protection by government. The government would also be free to engage in its own economic activities which would include the collection of taxes from individual citizens, private companies, commercial houses, merchants and commercial banks.
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When there is a balance of government and private control on economic activities and the government and people are honest in their dealings with one another, there will be no need to devalue the Naira and borrow money from abroad to develop the country. A country that lives on foreign loan all the time, without relying on its own resources cannot build a great and dynamic economy. Our schools can start to resolve this issue by providing educational activities which emphasize self - reliance.
We need to continue to encourage professional education so that learners can be self -employed after school, rather than begin to look for employers.
Teachers should also encourage learner to depend on their own efforts in the classroom and at examinations. One important lesson that our pupils have to learn is to satisfy their needs from what they have. Just as a person who does not depend on others is proud of himself, a country which is self - reliant will be the pride of the citizens.