Reforming Science Education for National Integration in Nigeria: Bridging Divides through Innovation and Inclusion

Abstract

Despite numerous efforts by successive Nigerian governments to promote national integration through policies and programmes, the country continues to face persistent challenges rooted in ethnic, religious, and political divisions. This paper examines science education reform as a strategic tool for promoting national integration in Nigeria. Despite numerous policy efforts by successive governments to foster unity, the country remains deeply divided along ethnic, religious, and political lines. A key gap in existing research lies in the underexplored role of science education in addressing these divisions and fostering a cohesive national identity. The study highlights how science education, when reformed to reflect innovation, self-reliance, and societal needs, can empower youth, reduce unemployment, and promote national unity. It critically analyses the Nigerian education sector, noting inconsistencies in curriculum development, policy implementation, and the alignment of educational content with national objectives. The paper argues that without deliberate efforts to reform science education to reflect contemporary challenges and integration goals, national unity will remain elusive. It concludes by recommending pragmatic strategies for embedding national integration goals into science education reforms.