I feel delighted to be given the priviledge and honour as the lead paper presenter for the 41^st Annual National Conference/40^th Anniversary of Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN), being held at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).  The Premier University South of the Sahara and North of the Limpopo (permit me please!). The theme of this year’s conference: “Education, Security, Economy and Viability of Digital Response” is adrem regarding the situation of our dear country Nigeria. The key variables of the theme are interlinked as one can hardly flourish when the other is deteriorating. It is only when there is a good educational system in a country that the security network and economy of a nation can thrive. Education is the base or the “german floor” for shaping the politics and culture of the people, their security system and economy. It is this idea that formed and informed the rationale of my paper presentation as “Education and National Security: Implications for Nigeria’s Transformation”.

Concept of Education

Education is an instrument for national development and social change. Throughout history, education has always been considered as the path of human progress. It is the process through which members of a given society (men, women and children) acquire knowledge, experience, skill and the attitude that enable them live useful lives in the society. The concept of education embraces and encompasses all those human experiences through which knowledge is acquired. For Fafunwa (1971), education is that which each generation gives to its younger ones for their developmental attitude, abilities, skills and other behaviours which are the positive values to the society in which they live. Corroboratively, Peters (1999) maintained that education is a process of socialization, enculturation and transmission of what is worthwhile to those who are committed to it; be it children or adults. This conception implies that those who go through it intend or desire to improve themselves. The learner or the child is enabled with appropriate ways of life and directions to build up his competencies, for his own advantage and to promote the general good. Education from the perspective of Okeke (2003) is developing the individuals to live effectively, efficiently and to contribute to the advancement and upliftment of the society.

Read/download the full lead paper below.