Primary Education as a Foundation for Sustainable Development: A Nigerian North Central Perspective
Sanni Mohammed Garba & Aisha Shehu Abdullahi
*1 & 2School of Education Department of Educational Foundations, Niger State College of Education, Minna Email: garbasannik@gmail.com
Abstract
The paper explores the intersection of primary education and sustainable development in North Central Nigeria, highlighting the collective impact on shaping the region’s future. North Central Nigeria is a region characterized by diverse ethnic groups and a complex political landscape. The region faces unique challenges that often influence policy direction and economic development as well as socio-economic and educational disparities are prevalent, thus, the need to provide access to quality primary education becomes paramount for fostering equitable development. The paper highlights the interplay between education and poverty alleviation, gender equality, health improvements, and community empowerment. It also identifies barriers such as inadequate funding, cultural and religious factors, insecurity and conflict, lack of awareness and limited access to resources that hinder the effective delivery of primary education in North Central Nigeria. This paper also examines the impact of some educational reform, religious schools and community-based school on primary education. The paper argues that prioritizing primary education in North Central Nigeria is not just an investment in individual futures but also in the sustainable progress of the entire region and offers recommendations for policy makers and stakeholder committed in transforming primary education as a corner stone for sustainable development in North Central Nigeria.
Keywords
Educational Development, Primary Education, Sustainable Development
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