Perceptions of Unequal Access to Primary and Secondary Education: Findings from Nigeria

African Studies Review, Apr 2003 by Sunal, Cynthia Szymanski, Sunal, Dennis W, Rufai, Ruqayyatu, Inuwa, Ahmed, Haas, Mary E

All parents thought the primary school curriculum should include elements of indigenous culture. But 85 percent said it should not be a major part because knowledge of Western ideas was important to financial success in life and children would learn about the indigenous culture at home. The teachers said there was a heavy emphasis on indigenous Nigerian cultures, involvement of community members, and community service in the primary-school curriculum. All teachers thought the reduction in emphasis was appropriate in the secondary school because students should be exposed to ideas from outside Nigeria, particularly those from Europe and the U. S. since these regions had a great influence on the world. A small group of teachers (20 percent) thought the secondary curriculum should include oral and written works by Nigerians, while 15 percent thought works from other African nations should be studied. All teachers and 35 percent of parents thought students should become familiar with African geography and politics.

Educational Costs

The interviewees were queried about the perceived cost of education to families because such costs could affect a family's ability and willingness to school its children. All but four parents and one teacher began by comparing current with previous school costs when asked the initial question, "What monies are paid out by families to school their children?" The interviewer had not yet asked for such a comparison. All reported school costs as rising, with the imposition of many school fees. At the time of data collection, a U.S.$1.00 was equal to approximately Naira 80. Reported school fees ranged from Naira 200 to Naira 1200 with a mean of Naira 634 (U.S.$9.50). Two parents found fee receipts saved over a nearly twenty-year period and used them as support. Both parents paid three primary school fees (equivalent to U.S.$2.40) with the oldest child while one paid thirteen fees in the past year for one child and the other paid eleven fees with a mean equivalent of $7.92. Among those not sending all eligible children to school, textbooks were cited as an expense many could not afford, with the cost per child estimated at a mean of Naira 1266 (U.S.$15.83).

Effects of Schooling

Since the perceived effects of schooling may influence the decision to send a child to school, interviewees were asked to describe their perceptions of such effects. Most parents (85 percent) thought that primary schooling does not help an individual get a job and discussed the reduction of job opportunities in recent decades. One parent commented, "Under British rule a primary school completer could get a good civil service position but few people could go to school. Now, many go to school and good positions go to those with more schooling." Teachers mostly agreed but thought that primary schooling was worthwhile in terms of personal development of abilities and skills. All the parents thought primary and secondary schooling were important if the child had academic ability and would qualify for a place at a university.