THE IMPACT OF EDUCATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

Introduction

1.1 Background To The Study

Education is believed to be the mother of knowledge, one is made to agree that a well educated society is likely to solve its problems with ease. The role of education to humanity could not be exaggerated after all. This is because it is believed to be connect ‘’drug’’ that is used to head the ailments in the society.

More than half of the world’s population and more than 70% of poor are to be found in the rural areas where hunger, illiteracy, and low school achievement are common. Education for a large number of people in rural areas is crucial for achieving sustainable development.

Education is seen as instrument of development in all ramification of our life. Effort have been made by Nigeria government to bring about good education to Nigeria innovations have made and huge amount of many have been expended on the executive of education policies, which yield title or no result. Although several government and individual efforts are daily proposed, the Kogi State government is seen as not meaning up to the standard in complementing the teacher’s efforts to wards bringing up good citizens that would make Nigeria conducive for both political and economic development.

Rapid expansion of the Nigeria education system at all levels compounded by rapid policy change and the shrinking economy have constituted constraints to educational development in the state and the country at large. It is not a surprise that the standard and quality of education in the country is seen by many to delaying. Aghanta (2001) asserted that, the Nigeria educational system, have been ineffective in accelerating national development due to the policies adopted, and access and quality issues.

While the problem are perceived as being general, they are said to be more acute in the rural areas. The rural areas are seen as having greater challenges concerning educational development than the urban centres due to some socio-economic and institutional structures of the rural areas. From the view of the research work is being carried out in order to find out the impact of education on the development of rural areas. By this, Kogi State government and local government will know the role that education plays in enhancing rural development.

1.2 Statement Of The Problems

Successive government in Nigeria have failed to realize the impact of education as a tool for development. This failed to tackle the problems associated with implementing education policies.

The problems of how to effectively implement educational policies, and the techniques to be used in implementing these policies must be identified and pursued with vigor. Even the years there seems to be more decay in the education sector despite different policies put in place by government.

Hence, this research work is embarked upon to address the following research problems;

Governments have failed to bridge the gap between the educational policy and its actualization at the local government level.

Non availability of infrastructural facilities has equally hindered teaching and learning in the rural areas.
Government seems to have been more concerned about tertiary education more than primary and secondary school where basic knowledge is acquired.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

At the end of this research study, the researchers intend and wishes to achieve the following objectives;

1. To reveal how education can be used as a tool for rural development
2. To assess the impact of education on social development of rural areas in Kogi State.
3. To examine the impact of education on economic development of rural areas in Kogi State
4. To reveal the techniques to be used in implementing educations policies in Kogi State.
5. Finally, to show how to effectively implement education policies in order to develop rural areas.

1.4 Significance Of The Study

The significance of this study is to show hoe education can be used as a tool for developing rural areas and how effective policies can be formulated and implemented in the educational sector. This study is designed to show the following significance;

1. The research work when completed will be useful in bringing the gap in knowledge and help stakeholders to bring about new ideas that will facilitate the expansion of the footers of knowledge.
2. It will also enhance policy makers on education to formulate effective policy.
3. This research will be a useful point of reference and consultation to other students who may want to carry out a research on the same topic
4. And finally, this research work when completed, will make some useful recommendations that will help the educational sector to development and have impact on the rural area.

1.5 Research Questions

In order to effectively achieve the aims and objectives of this study, the researchers formulated certain questions, this is to ascertain the creativeness and significance or otherwise of the research topic under consideration. The following research questions are hereby written as follows:

1. How can education be used as a total for rural development?
2. What is the impact of education socio-economic development of rural areas in Kogi State
3. What are the techniques to be used in implementing educational policies?
4. How can education policies be effectively implemented in order to develop rural areas?

1.6 Scope And Limitations Of The Study

This research will centre on the activities of Ofu local government area, with specific focus on the socio-economic or education in year 2009-2013.

It is designed to cover some data and information needed to implement effective educational policies that can bring about rural development in Kogi State.

Other areas covered in this study includes the concept of education, challenges of education in Nigeria the history of educations in Nigeria, the impact of education on rural development and education as a rural development strategy.

In the course of carrying out this research work requires much money to be spent in transportation, administration and preparation of questionnaire among other expenses. And the research were faced with low capital actually covered by this study.

Another limitation encountered by the research is the respondents did not give their full attention when interviewed, this factor also limit the scope of the study.

1.7 Definition Of Key Concepts

In the course of this study, many terms and concepts will be encountered especially by user of this project work. Therefore, for easy comprehension and understanding, the researchers taken the pain to define some of the key concepts and terms.

Education:

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia education is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character, or physical ability of an individual. It is the process by which people learn.

Development:

This refers to a state of total and complete transformation in any given ratifications either as an individual or as a society or state. Development as used in the research refers to a positive transformation in term of physical, mental, social, political, economic and administrative aspect of a given society in Kogi State.

Primary Education:

Refers to the education given in an institution for children aged 6 to 11 years plus (Adigun 2006).

Tertiary Education:

It is also called their stages, or post secondary educations. It is the non-compulsory education level that flows the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school.

Technology:

Technology offers a powerful learning tools that demands new skills and understanding of students. This is a scientific methods of learning such as use of computers, power points and interactive white board.

This usually capture the attention of students in the classroom.

Rural Areas:

Are areas that are not urbanized. They have a low population density, and typically much of the land devoted to agriculture.

Rural Development:

In general, it is used to denote the actions and initiative taken to improve the standard of living in non-urban areas.

Development Actions:

Rural development actions mostly aim at the social and economic development of rural areas.

1.8 Organization Of The Study

The research work is divided into five chapters;

Chapter one is the introductory aspect of the study. It consist of the background objectives, the scope and limitations, significance of the study, research question, definition of key concepts and the organization of the study.

Chapter two contains the literature review of the subject matters of the research works.

Chapter three contains the design of the study, area of the study, population, sample size and sampling techniques, method of data collection, description of instruments, administration of instrument, methods of analysis and instrument of methodology.

Chapter four contains presentation of data, analysis of data, discussion of findings and summary of findings.