AN EVALUATION OF JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU’S THEORY OF EDUCATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA’S SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL CH

Abstract

One of the fundamental challenges for contemporary human society is that despite the high level of education, human character still remains very questionable. Education has not really reformed or changed the mind set of man. Rousseau’s theory of education reflects on moral reform. Rousseau’s theory of education advocates that the child ought to be educationally sound and that the child should engage in a pedagogical training with a good moral psychological balance devoid of self-interest. Rousseau’s theory of education aims at the need for the public good of all in the society. This paper analyses Rousseau’s theory of education in line with the Nigerian educational system. This paper adopts the hermeneutical methodology and analytical framework in unravelling the great significance and potentials of education on contemporary era. The objective of this paper is to advocate that man’s moral probity and education remains the key in the society. Education remains the vantage point for the promotion of individual well-being. Education helps in ensuring social order and in restoring the harmonious living condition of a people. Findings, however, show that education plays a critical role in the self-transformation of the individual; that education has a global implication; that education helps in shaping human physical and mental well-being; that education serves as the solid bedrock for problem solving mechanism; and that education is light and good democratic framework gives room for social and educational security. This paper concludes that the clarification of education has to do with the progressive, pragmatic, protective, moral and socio-psychological functions of the individual. Educational programme of any country is aimed at ensuring national development, the liberation of the human mind and to make the child a more rational, moral and responsible citizen.