PLATO’S THEORY OF EDUCATION: IMPLICATION FOR NIGERIAN SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper sought to examine Plato’s Theory of Education: Implication for Nigerian System. Plato was the pace-setter of Western education who conceived education as indispensable for formation of the ideal state. Plato’s educational ideas are meant to reconstruct the sociopolitical situation of Athens of his time. The positive contributions of Plato in the field of education have great relevant implications on Nigeria’s educational system. It provides the rationale for Nigerians to educate and elect their government responsively. Plato sought to develop a political system in which the leaders would be knowledgeable and good. Security challenges are one of the basic problems bedeviling Nigerian society in this present era. The proper education of Nigerian military will make them to be highly spirited, patriotic and strong. However, the massive unemployment of Nigerian graduates necessitates the need for technical and vocational training. Plato’s idea of education of the artisans (masses) according to the needs of each craft conforms to vocational training, which is indispensable for skill acquisition for useful living in the society.