Education for Self-Reliance, Life Skill Education and its Significance in African Traditional Education

Abstract

The paper examines Education for self-reliance and its significance in African Traditional Education. The paper adopted analytical method because several articles, journals and literatures related education for self-reliance and its significance in African Traditional Education were reviewed. Education for self-reliance is about gaining self-independence, responsibility and democratic involvement, while life skills help to promote critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication skill, decision-making, interpersonal relationship skills, self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence. African traditional education emphases social responsibility, job orientation, political participation, moral values, attitudes, skills and other forms of behaviours which are of positive values to the society. The paper suggested, Education must be problem solving and work oriented. A national sensitization campaign should create awareness on the importance of vocational education and self-reliance of the citizens. Also, Self-reliance and life skill education should be incorporated in the curriculum of all level of education in Nigeria.