Factors Challenging Leadership and Nation Building and their Effects on Educational Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper looked at factors that pose challenges to leadership and nation building of Nigeria. Some of the major factors include corruption, insurgency, terrorism, university strike, brain drain and economic sabotage. In the course of the discussion, the paper identified effects of these factors on education, social and economic development of Nigeria. The most prominent challenge include palm-greasing, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, external borrowing, diversion of government funds, wastage, revenue leakages, bunkering, crude oil theft, a multitude of fraud and other acts of criminality by officials of government and private sector which have led to huge economic losses and setback. In effect, the education system has suffered neglect and poor funding over the years, provision of vital social services has been declined while hunger, poverty, brain drain and insecurity have risen sharply in recent time. The paper recommended that Nigeria’s huge oil wealth should be used to improve the standard of living of all Nigerians, and not squandered by politicians and few privileged individuals within the corridors of power. Therefore, the Federal Government of Nigeria should, as a matter of fact, create a Social Benefit Scheme for millions of unemployed citizens. This will not only reduce poverty but also reduce the temptation to engage in crime and gangsterism among the youths. Most importantly, as nation builders, teachers at all levels of education in Nigeria should be accorded the respect, honour and professional incentives they deserve in line with international and global best practices

Keywords

References