The Influence of Greek Education on Nigerian Education

The system of education practiced in ancient Greece influenced much of modern education, including Nigeria’s. From the division of the Nigerian educational system into primary, secondary, and tertiary education to when school starts in September are some instances of Greek education’s influence on Nigerian education. In this article, we’d discuss the ways Greek education influenced the Nigerian educational system. Read on. 

The Influence of Greek Education on Nigerian Education

The influence of Greek education on Nigerian education would be discussed below: 

  • Adoption of Primary Education

In ancient Greece, particularly in the Athenian region, Primary education was the first stage of education for young children (then mostly boys had the privilege). In the Greek system of education, Primary education was divided into Kindergarten and Primary school. Kindergarten lasts 1 or 2 years, thereafter the young child proceeds to spend 6 years in primary school, usually from age 6 to 12. 

According to Greek education, here are the appropriate ages and classes for Primary school pupils: 

  • Year 1: 6 – 7 years 
  • Year 2: 7 – 8 
  • Year 3: 8 – 9
  • Year 4: 9 – 10
  • Year 5: 10 – 11
  • Year 6: 11 – 12 

In the Greek system of education, the school year starts on September 11 and ends on June 15. Pupils of primary schools in ancient Greece had summer vacations, as well as Christmas and Easter vacations. 

A normal school day starts at 8:15 am and ends from 1:15 pm to 3:00 pm, depending on the school. And each class session lasts between 40 and 90 minutes. 

From the above explanation of the Greek system of Primary education, you can see it’s similar to what is obtained in Nigeria. The ages of pupils and their respective classes in the Greek primary education system are obtained in Nigeria today. 

In Nigeria, the normal time for schools to begin for the day is usually 8:15 am, and closing time is between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Furthermore, September marks the start of each academic session, however, academic sessions in Nigeria usually end in July. Primary schools in Nigeria also maintain the summer, Christmas, and Easter holidays as obtained in the Greek educational system. 

  • Adoption of Secondary Education 

In the Greek educational system, the next stage of education after completion is secondary education. Secondary education in Greece comprised Gymnasio and Lykeion. The child is expected to spend 3 years in Gymnasio, which is in Nigeria referred to as Junior Secondary School. In this stage, the child starts in the First grade, usually at the age of 12. At the age of 13, the child proceeds to the Second grade, and at 14 years, the Third grade. 

On completion of the Gymnasium, the child proceeds to upper secondary school, General Lyceum. Similarly, the General Lyceum is further divided into three grades; First, Second, and Third. The age at which a child begins the First grade of General Lyceum is usually 15 years. Then the child proceeds to the Second grade when he’s 16 years of age, and the Third grade from 16 years until 17 years.

The subjects that students are taught in General Lyceum according to the Greek educational system include but are not limited to Mathematics, Chemistry, Greek language, Biology, Religious Education, a foreign language, Physics, and History. 

From the above explanation of how General Lyceum is conducted in the Greek educational system, you can agree on the similarities to the Nigerian educational system. In the case of Nigeria, Gymnasium is referred to as Junior Secondary School while General Lyceum is the Secondary School School. Also, the subjects students are taught per the provisions of the Greek education system are closely related to what is obtained in Nigeria. 

  • Adoption of Tertiary Education 

The adoption of tertiary education in the Nigerian educational system is another influence of Greek education. In Greece, after completion of General Lyceum, children proceed to tertiary education. And tertiary education in Greece is provided by both universities and polytechnics. The duration of undergraduate courses in universities usually lasts four years while it takes five years in polytechnics. However, some undergraduate courses may last five years and some six, like Medicine. The duration of postgraduate courses in Greek lasts from one to two years for Masters while Doctorate lasts from three to six years. 

Another attribute of tertiary education in Greece is the emphasis on the development of philosophical insight so individuals would know how to use knowledge within a framework of logic and reason. 

In Nigeria, the tertiary education system is tailored to the Greek system of education. Universities and polytechnics provide tertiary education in Nigeria. Just as it is obtained in the Greek system of education, the duration to obtain an undergraduate degree in universities in Nigeria is normally four years. Some courses may last five or six years, depending on the course. 

The duration to obtain an undergraduate degree from polytechnics in Nigeria is five years, similar to what is obtained in the Greek Educational system. The duration to obtain a postgraduate degree in Nigeria is also similar to the Greek educational system. That is 1 to 2 years for a Masters degree and a doctorate (Ph.D. level) from 3 to 6 years.  

Another major influence of Greek education in Nigeria’s tertiary education system is the emphasis on the development of philosophical insight. That’s why Philosophy is a compulsory General Studies (GST) course for every student in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.  The emphasis on Philosophy is to ensure that every person that passes through the tertiary education system in Nigeria knows how to use knowledge within a framework of logic and reason. 

We’ve been able to illustrate how Greek education influenced the Nigerian educational system. We should also point out that the public and private sectors cater to all levels of education in both Greece and Nigeria. Ancient Greece boasts scholars of repute like Pythagoras, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and Isocrates who contributed immensely to Greek education. Little wonder the influence of Greek education is felt globally.

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