Basic Education as a Tool for Promoting National Integration among Children in Rural Basic Schools

Abstract

This paper examines basic education as a tool for national integration among pupils of basic schools in rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. National disintegration of pupils in basic schools is one of the major reasons why the government of Nigeria launched universal basic education; its reasoning is that, once the foundation is established properly, the structure becomes solid. This study adopted a descriptive research design, which had as its purpose to characterise the population being studied. The sample of the research study consisted of 3 273 respondents (1 376 male, 1 897 female). Four research questions are raised and answered by this study. Data for the study was collected by means of a closed-ended questionnaire. The face and content validity of the study was ascertained and the reliability coefficient, using the Cronbach Alpha, was found to be 0.86. The findings of the research study showed that the elements of basic education that can bring about national integration among basic school children include the inculcation of sound moral behaviors, obedience to rules and regulations, respect for dignity of labour and democratic norms. The study also revealed that the inculcation of self-confidence in the pupils, a continuous search for knowledge, developing a sense of respect, and imbibing a spirit of national consciousness and patriotism are ways of promoting national integration. Based on the findings of the study, it recommended that subjects that could bring about integration should be emphasised more in the classroom by the teachers, to instil in the lives of the pupils a spirit of unity. Also, in order to promote integration of the pupils of basic schools, school heads and teachers should inculcate in the lives of the pupils a strong desire for knowledge and continued learning.