Karl Marx historical dialectics, cultural education and Nigeria’s economic goals

Abstract

Educational policy do change as a result of changes in social, economic and political structures. The present 2013 educational policy document became necessary because the nation intends lo meet the medium term economic development plans (NEEDS). This strategies plan has engendered an expanded rote for education as an investment for economic development and social change. The study therefore raised a fundamental question on the relevance of the present of westernized educational System. Karl Marx's historical dialectics emphasized that the social, political, legal and educational System depend on a super structure. the prevailing economic structure. If education is part of the superstructure, there is need to see how the nation can achieve her goal via the cultural education datum. The study employs an integrative approach which is a combination of the speculative, analytical and prescriptive mode of philosophizing. Historical dialectics provided the framework for analyzing the ability of education to meet the needs of the nation vis a vis the economic structure of the society. This study argues that, to meet the economics goal as expressed and emphasized in the 2013 National Policy on Education. the curriculum should be built to meet the economic needs of the society through its cultural dictated practices. Cultural education thus will mean having an environmental and geographical dictated curriculum. An education that de-emphasizes examination and embraces practicality and situated within her learners' culture and language