Education, especially formal, should not be toyed with by any society, due to its indispensability and vital role in social development - this is an undisputed fact. It was on this basis, a classical philosopher, Plato, made assumption that the philosopher kings (those who should rule), should be put in a dormitory by government (the state) for more than three decades (about 35 years), to receive sound education that will build their character, capacity and prepare them for task of leadership ahead; the assertion was made in an attempt at philosophising an ideal society. His philosophy was interpreted to mean that, since leadership is very tasking, requiring a highly cognitive prowess (intelligence), sound knowledge, high or sound moral values and standard (character), there was need for future leaders (the philosopher kings) to be highly trained through a sound system of education, in preparation for leadership responsibilities.
Today, such system ought to be made for all and sundry, in order to have a better society, since the subject in question, is unarguably the bedrock of development. Education generally, is a concept that is extremely necessary for two purposes (essence), namely personal development and social development.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
(I) Enlightenment and exposure
To enable one have informed and balanced view about life, is what education, first and foremost, offers people, specifically formal education. It helps to erode erroneous beliefs and misconceptions by sanitizing the minds to think logically, rationally and scientifically, as the case may be. Education has made people to know that ideas cannot be accepted hook, line and sinker without questioning, unlike before where unreliable knowledge would gain speedy acceptance, such knowledge cannott stand a test of time now. In view of the above, it builds liberal and broad minded individuals who can easily accept as well as defend the truth, no matter how difficult it is. They willingly, by virtue of their training, get involved in strengthening liberty in the society, that is why freedom, equality and justice which are strong recipes for a stable, orderly and egalitarian society, are parts of their character traits, and essential ingredients that translate into social cohesion, growth and development. Remarkably, the adoption of scientific process in inquiry, resulting in absolute truth/knowledge is an established method which is valid, not skewed and very reliable - meaning that knowledge gained from such process can stand a test of time. Nowadays, education has made us not to believe what has not been empirically tested, proven and logically verified.
The enlightenment and exposure to absolute truth makes education invaluable social concept and incredible instrument for the pursuit of sustainable development, because it will erode illiteracy, an indispensable index of development. Therefore, having a literate society is likened to an express way devoid of potholes and traffick jam; that could have orchestrated hindrances, while a smooth, safe and speedy ride is guaranteed.
(ii) Employment (Means of Livelihood - MOL)
Education enables one to have access to employment opportunities, in the area of one's specialty or expertise, be it vocational and technical education or conventional/formal education for semi-skilled and skilled labour. It helps to create capacity to solve problems by applying the skills acquired which in turn, will enable one earn a living comfortably. When the social problem of unemployment is solved, it will create multi-plier effects that will touch or affect other aspects of social life including average income per head, standard of living (SOL), gross domestic products (GDP), national productivity, etc.
So, on the personal basis, from the context of employment or means of livelihood (MOL), education appears to be a formidable factor which the society ought to pay critical attention to, not just school enrollment and acquisition of certificates. Going back to the basis is extremely needful, in order to really have sound and we'll informed idea about the subject, in a way that will stir up a paradigm shift. This advocacy is timely, considering the abysmal failure and fallen standard of education, which perhaps should be largely blamed on misconception.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The first aspect of social development is when the character has been well developed, i.e. possessing high and sound moral values and standard, capable of making one interact responsibly, being law-abiding to ensure order and stability is guaranteed in the society. This is what ideal education affords people. Secondly, when social problems are critically tackled and addressed adequately, it contributes to growth and development of the society. Education especially at the higher level is basically aimed at researching and providing solutions to social problems.
Moreover, the existence or occurrence of personal development, has multi-plier and attendant effects on social development. For example, employment is an indicator of personal development which helps to reduce unemployment, a social problem, situated within the social development aspect, and which in turn, affects social indices such as average income per head and standard of living (SOL), gross domestic products (GDP), etc.
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