STATUS OF BUSINESS EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF OWERRI NORTH LGA) (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The present technological advancement in many countries of the world requires that an individual be given a type of education that will prepare him as an all round consumer or producer of human and material resources in any society he may find himself.
Nigeria economy is facing technological changes in business and industry. Hence the increasing demands for competent and efficient personnel in these sectors. The economy today is such that specialization is required in the labour market. It is no longer a period for pen pushers and letter writers but a time for people who possess the necessary skills and knowledge in various occupations, such as business and office occupations.
The present situation in Nigeria can be compared to that of America when the National Business Education Association Chaired by A. C. Farkner (1963) observed that office and distributive occupation constitute one of the fastest growing employment groups in the labour market. The Nigeria economy is expanding in line with the demand for youths prepared for occupations in these areas. Preparing youths for various occupations and providing occupational information for the same group of youth is the duty of business education. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the expansion of the programme of business education in our secondary schools. The expansion does not however, mean much, unless the programme maintains a corresponding high status, which of course is measured by the attitude of the general public i.e the Government, schools, parents, students and teachers towards it as well as the effectiveness of teaching the subject.
Among the objectives of teaching business education in secondary schools as outlined in the business education curriculum for junior secondary school (1983) include:
1. That the student may, after completing the junior secondary school will have opportunity for a job in a business organization or/and apprenticeship in industry.
2. That the student may go through senior secondary school, technical colleges and on to polytechnics or universities.
3. To offer prospective graduates an opportunity to develop those skills, abilities and understanding that will enable them to handle competently their personal business affairs.
4. To provide them with occupational intelligence to enable them get job satisfaction in the labour force of the economy.
5. To provide business oriented graduates who can be self-reliant in future.
6. To produce skillful graduates in business education.
