Quests for Free Education and Lifelong Learning in Nigeria

The idea of free education was first mooted in Nigeria in the early 1950s by the Action Group, a political party that Michael Adekunle Ajasin was a member. For over sixty years since the idea during the struggles for Nigerian independence, politicians have continued to use free education to gain votes from the people. Evidence that the policy is either impracticable or badly implemented shows in the proliferation of private schools at primary and secondary levels in Nigeria. It is also shocking to know that Nigeria is one of the countries where out of school children are increasing by the day. Despite this obvious failure of the political office holders to keep their promises, Nigerians still believe that free education remains a possibility. Prescriptions are made on how free education and lifelong learning can be made a reality in the contemporary Nigerian society.