The Educational System in Nigeria faces significant challenges, with over 18 million children out of formal school, according to UNICEF. While informal Education systems, such as family or religious schooling, provide some form of instruction, they often focus on repetition and obedience, which stifles creativity and critical thinking. In formal schools, on the other hand, the emphasis remains on memorising facts and reproducing them during exams. This system fails to equip children with problem-solving and reflective skills and leaves a wide gap in Nigeria’s pursuit of innovative and transformative education.
Formal education is also plagued by authoritarian teaching methods that prioritise Teacher dominance and student passivity. Students are conditioned to absorb information without questioning or engaging with the material critically. Policies that advocate for fostering critical thinking and reflective inquiry often exist only on paper, failing to materialise in classrooms. Consequently, the “banking model” of education persists, where students are viewed as empty vessels to be filled with information rather than active participants in learning.
New approach provides an inquiry model for active learning.
Philosophy for Children (P4C), developed by Matthew Lipman in the late 1960s, offers a transformative alternative to the flawed educational system in Nigeria. This approach emphasises teaching children to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively through philosophical inquiry. It introduces the community of inquiry model, where teachers and students engage in open dialogue to explore ideas together. It has been adopted globally, from the UK and South Korea, demonstrating its flexibility in addressing diverse educational challenges. For Nigeria, P4C represents an opportunity to shift from a rigid system to a more engaging, thought-provoking educational experience.
Furthermore, the philosophy-based model provides tools that enhance active learning and participation. Core features like question-storming teach students how to frame, analyse, and explore questions critically. For instance, instead of simply teaching body parts in biology, teachers can guide students to ask questions such as, “Why do humans need a brain?” or “What happens if the heart stops functioning?” This method encourages curiosity and deeper understanding. By fostering an environment of inquiry, P4C transforms classrooms into spaces where students and teachers collaboratively generate and evaluate knowledge.
Empowering students with social skills through P4C.
In addition to enhancing questioning skills, P4C promotes empathy and open-mindedness through its emphasis on collaborative thinking. By engaging in discussions and inquiries, students learn to respect diverse perspectives, which is especially important in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. The participatory methods also reduce the rigidity of traditional education by encouraging students to become active contributors to their learning process. This approach builds confidence and addresses societal issues such as intolerance and violence by teaching children to challenge doctrines, and think independently.
The adoption of P4C in Nigeria promises numerous benefits. It not only aligns with the country’s educational goals of fostering scientific and critical inquiry, but also engages students actively. By encouraging active participation, P4C enhances students’ academic performance, social and emotional skills, preparing them to face real-world challenges. It can also bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that students develop reflective thinking and problem-solving abilities. In a society where rote learning dominates, P4C’s focus on critical engagement offers a much-needed shift toward a more innovative educational framework.
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Considering the flexible approach and great benefits, Philosophy for Children has the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s education system. By shifting from rote learning and authoritarian teaching methods, it nurtures a generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators. With its emphasis on critical, creative, and collaborative thinking, P4C provides a holistic approach to education that aligns with Nigeria’s developmental goals. Its adoption could mirror the successes seen in other countries, paving the way for an education system that empowers students and strengthens the nation’s future.