By Wealth Oghenemaro
A retired primary school teacher and education advocate, Mr. Rex Joseph Aloba, has called on the Federal Government to revive and implement the Nigerian philosophy of education as outlined in the National Policy on Education. He argued that the abandonment of Nigeria’s indigenous educational ideals has contributed to worsening poverty, insecurity, and moral decline across the country.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Aloba—who hails from Oviri-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State—said he has spent over four decades championing the original vision of Nigeria’s education system. This vision, he noted, was designed to promote national unity, self-reliance, and sustainable development.
“I’ve been doing this work for over 40 years,” Aloba said. “I’m passionate about implementing the Nigerian philosophy of education because I believe it holds the key to peace and prosperity in our country.”
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s education system has veered off course from its core objectives as captured in Section 1 of the National Policy on Education (4th Edition), which identifies education as “the most important instrument of change” and a critical tool for achieving national goals.
“There’s been a clear drift from the original purpose. The objectives have not been achieved. That’s why I stepped out—to help redirect the system so our nation can attain peace,” he said.
According to the policy, Nigeria’s educational philosophy is anchored on the development of the individual into a sound and effective citizen, full integration into the community, and equal access to education at all levels.
Aloba argued that these ideals have been overshadowed by a Western education model imported from Britain, which he believes no longer addresses Nigeria’s unique social and economic realities.
“Western education isn’t ours—it was imported. It doesn’t solve our problems,” he said. “Most learners are losing interest because it lacks relevance. We need an approach that is practical, values-driven, and grounded in our reality. When you live in another man’s house, one day you’ll have to leave. It’s better to build your own.”
He decried the growing disconnect between education and real-life challenges, noting that the National Policy on Education itself stresses that education must be “relevant, practical, and comprehensive,” and must promote national unity, technological advancement, and self-actualization.
To help address these gaps, Aloba is advocating for the adoption of a book titled The Implementation of the Philosophy and Goals of Education in Nigeria into the school curriculum. He claims the book aligns with Nigeria’s national vision of building a just, democratic, and self-reliant society.
“There’s something called the ‘Science of Getting Rich’—if everyone is rich, crime will disappear,” he said. “Kidnapping, for instance, is a product of poverty. Solve poverty, and you solve the problem.”
He also highlighted a concept from the book called Savoifaires (13s), which he described as a transformative tool with the potential to “multiply anything you place on it,” likening its impact to the Biblical story of the loaves and fishes.
“This is my life’s calling—to show the nation the right path,” Aloba declared. “Education should lead to wealth, peace, and moral regeneration.”
He urged the Federal Ministry of Education to adhere more strictly to its mission of developing the full potential of every Nigerian, in line with national unity and economic progress.
The National Policy on Education emphasizes values such as respect for human dignity, rational decision-making, moral and spiritual development, and the acquisition of life skills for self-reliance. Aloba warned that ignoring these principles has contributed to the country’s social and institutional decay.
“I’m pleading with the nation—let this book be part of our school curriculum,” he said. “Western education has failed us. It cannot solve our problems. But with Nigeria’s own educational philosophy, we can overcome our social challenges.”
Since 1977, Aloba said he has been collecting data, publishing insights, and advocating for the fulfillment of Nigeria’s original educational vision.
“It’s time we return to the vision that was truly meant for us,” he concluded.
