Planning as an Instrument for National Development in Nigeria
Education as an engine for economic, social and political transformation deserve more than casual planning. A carefully planned system of education ultimately proves to be more cost-effective, efficient and easier to operate than a haphazardly planned system. Effective planning of education becomes imperative especially in developing nation with limited natural and human resources that cannot be wasted on costly mistakes arising from planlessness. Educational planning is prompted by factors such as population growth in relation to educational opportunities and the demand for education, manpower needs, environmental or ecological considerations, cultural, social and economic changes, as well as communication needs among other factors. This means that educational planning in Nigeria, must take cognizance of the physical, social, economic and developmental priorities of the nation. The success of any system of education is hinged on proper planning and therefore calls for a judicious financial and administrative planning, taking into account other needs of the society. The paper is divided into four sections. Section one looks at the introduction and meaning of educational planning in Nigeria. Section two deals with types of educational planning in Nigeria. Three treats the educational planning constraints in Nigeria, while part four look at the recommendations, summary and conclusion.
