THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Well over a hundred years ago, the missionaries brought western education to where we know today as Nigeria. They inculcated in their students moral education. Many of the students grew to become not just clergies but teachers in schools. These teachers produced by the missionaries, as well as their students became nation builders. In recent times, the church has proven to be formidable factor in providing qualitative and sustainable education in Nigeria. Christian churches have played a pivotal role in the provision of primary, secondary andhigher education in Nigeria. However, the participation of the church in education appears to be increasing but more efforts are required in this regard. This study is set out therefore, towards establishing the roleof churches in the provision of sustainable education in Nigeria, that is, as an alternative source to supplement the efforts of the government, parents and local communities. The main objective of this paper is to establish a relation between the church and sustainable education in Nigeria. This will be done through qualitative observation of the various roles the church has played and still playing at fostering sustainable education.