Interdependencies between different countries and regions will continue to be reinforced by globalization. To this end, the major challenge facing the developing world, particularly African countries is to put in place public policies that will maximize the potential benefits from globalization, and minimize the downside risks of destabilization and or marginalisation. Such policies are already being implemented in most African countries.
In order to speed up its participation, there are five major challenges for Nigeria. These are explained as follows:
1. Macro-economic stability and structural reform: The country will need to maintain macro economic stability and reinforce the implementation of structural policies which will make our economy more flexible, encourage diversification and reduce its vulnerability to exogenous shocks. Moreover, there is need for further reform in the areas such as public enterprise activity, the labour market and the trade regime. Our government must also make sure that public services such as transportation networks, electricity, water and education are provided in a reliable and cost-efficient fashion.
2. Economic security: Nigerian government must establish the right framework for economic activities for the purpose of removing sense of uncertainty that still plagues economic decision-making in most African countries. This could be done through the creation of a strong national capacity for the formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies. Our regulatory and legal systems must be such that will ensure transparency, predictability and impartiality.
Apart from the respect of private property rights and the enforcement of commercial contracts, arbitrariness, special privileges and ad-hoc exemptions should be eliminated even where they are intended to encourage investment.
3. Good governance: In order to achieve good governance, serious efforts must be made to eliminate corruption and inefficiency and enhance accountability in government. Public funds must be judiciously utilized and the civil service must be reformed to enhance its efficiency. There is dire need for electoral reform so that people can have confidence in the electoral system and their vote will count. Government must also partner with private economic agents in such a way that there will be mutual trust and confidence.
4. Reform of the financial sector: Globalization is characterized by an open and liberal system of capital movements that is beneficial to the world economy.
Nevertheless, the rising capital flows place additional burdens on banking regulation and supervision. This requires more flexible financial structures. To this end, Nigeria as a developing country is confronted with the challenge of reforming its financial sector. Therefore, our government should accelerate the development of its financial institutions in order to make them respond effectively to the changing international environment.
5. A partnership with civil society: Nigerian government need to encourage the participation of civil society in the debate on economic policy and ensure the masses’ support for such policy. Therefore, the government must pursue more active information policies which will explain the objectives of policies and solicit the input of those whom the policies are intended to benefit.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
What is the major challenge facing the developing world, particularly African countries on globalization?
4.0 CONCLUSION
Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in integrating its education into the global system. This is more so in view of the enormous benefits of globalized education.
However, globalization has some implications for our educational s ystem. To this end, our government must formulate and implement policies aimed at mitigating the dysfunctional effects of globalization on our educational system in particular and the nation as a whole.
5.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt globalization and Nigerian educational system.
Specifically, you were taught the concept of globalization and influence of globalization on Nigerian educational system. You also learnt the implications of globalization for Nigerian educational system and its challenges for Nigeria. The next unit will teach you Information and Technology Communication (ICT) in education.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT 1a. What is globalization?
b. Explain the various ways through which globalization influence the Nigerian educational system.
2. Discuss the various implications of globalization for Nigerian educational system.
3. What are the challenges of globalization for Nigeria?
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS
Abdul Raheem, Y. (2003): Globalization and Nigerian Economic Development. Being a Paper Presented at the 4th Annual National Conference of the Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN) held at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Adelabu, M. (2006): Globalization and Imperatives for Changes in Educational Policy Making and Implementation in Nigeria. Being a Paper Presented at the 3rd VITTACHI International Conference on Rethinking Educational Change IFRANE, MOROCCO 1st – 5th July.
Adeyemi, T. O. (2008): Predicting Students’ Performance in Senior Secondary Certificate Examination from Performance in Junior Secondary Certificate in Ondo State Nigeria. Humanity and Social Sciences; Journal 3 (1) 26-36.
Akindutire, I. O. (2005): Production of Quality Teachers for Quality Education in Nigeria. Trailblazer 1(2) 26-27.
Babalola, J. B. (2007): Reform and Development of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education:
Focus on Obasanjo’s Administration in Babalola, J. B. Akpa. G. O, Ayeni, A. O., Adedeji, S. O. (Eds) Access, Equity and Quality in Higher Education; Ibadan:
Awemark Industrial Printers.
Boyer, E. L. (1995): The Basis of School: A Community for Learning. Princeton, N. J:
Carnegie Foundation for the advancement of Teaching.
Jaiyeoba, A. O. and Atanda, A. I. (2005): Quality Sustenance in Nigerian Educational System: Challenges to Government, in G. O. Akpa, S. U. Udoh & E. O.
Fagbamiye (Eds) Deregulating the Provision and Management of Education in Nigeria. Jos: M. P. Ginac Concept Ltd.
Okebukola, P. (2005): The Dynamics of Innovation and Performs in a Modern University: Perspectives and Challenges for Nigerian Universities. Being the text of the 14th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ado-Ekiti. Delivered 27th April.
Olayode, K. O. (1999); Concepts and Issues of Globalization in Education. In J. O.
Fadipe and E. E. Oluchukwu (Eds). Educational Planning and Administration in Nigeria in the 21st Century. A Publication of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration. Ondo. 365-373.
Omoregie, N. (2005): Repackaging Secondary Education in Nigeria for Great and Dynamic Economy. Paper Presented at the 2nd Annual National Conference of Association for Encouraging Qualitative Education in Nigeria (ASSEQEN) 9th – 11th May.
Oni, A. A. and Alade, I. A. (2008): The Future of Higher Education in Nigeria:
Global Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved on line from www.herp.net.org.
in 15-09-2009.
Quattara, A. D. (1997); The Challenges of Globalization for Africa. An Address delivered by Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund at the Southern Africa Economic Summit Sponsored by the World Economic Forum, Harrare, May 21 Retrieved online from www.globalization-africa.org on 30th September, 2009.
Udida, L. A., Ebuara, V. O. Ozurumba, C. N. and F. Ude (2007): The Role of Technical and Vocational Education in the Employment of Nigerian Youth in the Era of Globalization: Problems and Challenges. In J. B. Babalola, G. O. Akpa and A. O. Ayeni (Eds) Managing Technical and Vocational Education in the Era of Globalization. A Publication of the Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning (NAEAP). Ibadan: Awemark Industrial Printers 13-19.
West African Examination Council (2007): Chief Examiners’ Report.
ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT (SAEs) SAE 1
Interdependence SAE 2
Information technology facilities networking, collaborative research, and access to tertiary and learning materials.
SAE 3
A – privatization SAE 4
To put in place public policies that will maximize the potential benefits from globalization and minimize the downside risks of destabilization and marginalization.
MODULE 4