FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION IN A DEPRESSED ECONOMY: A PROMOTER FOR EFFECTIVE POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examines the linkages between functional education and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Data for the study are majorly qualitative and derived from secondary sources that are related scholarly works such as articles in Journals, Conference Proceedings, Newspapers and Magazines. The data derived from these sources were presented and analysed using the content analyses. Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between the quality of educational system and the rate of poverty in Nigeria. The paper suggests that effective and functional education remains the most fundamental vehicle for the reduction of poverty in Nigeria. The paper therefore recommends among others, that serious attention be given to the educational sector in so that the country can produce a total person with the requisite skills, knowledge, and value essential to function effectively in the 21st Century.