FORMAL EDUCATION AND CULTURAL DEGRADATION IN IGBO SOCIETY: A STUDY OF UMUNNEOCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE

DURU FIDELIA AMARA, OGADINMA IKONNE

Abstract


The paper took a critical look at formal education and its impact on destabilizing some functional cultures in the historic Igbo society, using Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. It adopted survey method and three research questions guided the study. Questionnaire items were administered on 560 respondents representing a sample size of 56,593 population of the study. Proportional stratified random sampling technique was adopted. Simple percentage tables were used to show the responses from the respondents. Statistically, Chi Square was used. It was found that formal education irrespective of its laudable imprints in the socio-political, economic and cultural life of people in Igbo society, had actually disrupted those cherished indigenous cultures bequeathed to its future generations by their forefathers. Such findings included rendering into futility the traditional ways of inculcating the philosophy and wisdom of the society like folktales, regard for Igbo language, self-reliance, respect for elders, and team spirit among others. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made which included inward look to revitalize those functional aspects of Igbo culture such as self-development, setting appropriate structures in place to monitor compliance, and adherence to code of conduct. Thereafter, a conclusion was drawn.

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