INDIGENOUS EDUCATION AND THE ISSUE OF UNDER-DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

The paper examined indigenous education and the issue of under-development in South South Nigeria. It was guided by five research objectives which were to explore the concept of indigenous education, explore indigenous education in South South Nigeria, access its curriculum, investigate education and underdevelopment in the zone as well as consider the place of globalization and education in the area. The paper was anchored further on the system theory by Bertalanffy (1968) even as the nature of research design was purely descriptive. Findings showed that social vices have plagued the zone, causing numerous problems for the citizens despite Western education. Values have degenerated resulting in too much corruption, violence, ritualism, killings, examination malpractice, internet fraud, banditry, drug abuse, child abuse, and disrespect to constitutional authorities and so on. Ironically, western education has almost eroded the indigenous education merits instead of consolidating the Nigeria’s cultural values displayed in truth-telling, respect, industry, obedience to constituted authorities, chastity, charity and the rest are almost extinct in our youths these days due to Westernization which is worrisome. The paper thus, canvasses for an integration and synergization of both indigenous and western forms of education in order to revive worthwhile Nigerian values as well as strengthen existing education systems in South-South Nigeria.