IMPLEMENTATION AND SUSTANABILITY OF FUNCTIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

The paper examined implementation and sustainability of functional science education in Nigeria. It traced the historical background of science education in line with National Policy of Education (NPE) in Nigeria from the early 1970s till date. It examined the noble goals and objectives of science education as well as some reforms carried out in science education in Nigeria. It also considered the progress made so far and gaps yet to be covered in the implementation of the programme. Some of the factors responsible for the low impact of the programme were identified which include lack of political will by policy makers, poor funding and corruption among other things. The way forward as suggested among other things in the paper is that priority attention should be given by stake holders to science education in terms of funding, adequate planning and with genuine commitment at the level of implementation in order to maximize the gains of the programme. Also, there is need for sustainability of any effort geared towards revitalizing science education programme to make it functional both for the present and the future.