Beyond Politics and Praxis: Educational Challenges in Contemporary Africa
Author(s)
Mbabuike, Michael C.
Abstract
Since culture plays a key role in human progress, the question of whether education or culture preceded the other does not lead to the chicken and the egg debate. Social scientists have long convincingly established that the individual is born into society and that society immediately begins influencing, educating and socializing him/her. If the individual is born into culture, it follows that the culture itself is a consequence of adapting to natural and social environmental realities. Culture and education are therefore not simply interrelated; they are indeed conjoined twins. If the two are conjoined, it is fair to maintain that education – with a view to dramatically improving quality of life in a highly competitive global system – must wholeheartedly and firmly embrace the fluidity and flexibility inherent in fundamental or structural change.
