Towards Better Children’s Literature for Addressing Insecurity in Nigeria

Abstract

Until recently, literature was not a prerequisite, even for those studying English at the Masters or Ph.D. level. To date, not all the universities in Nigeria require a credit pass in literature before a candidate is given admission to get a degree in English language. This may be partly attributed to the negative perception the authorities have of the relevance of literature to the development of a nation. Regrettably, even the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), which is charged with the responsibility of producing the curriculum for the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) and which incorporates the teaching of literature, does not provide a very rich and highly desired content for its products. Accordingly, this paper examines the current minimum curriculum (2012 edition), for English Language, with the view to critically ascertain its readiness in terms of addressing contemporary challenges in Nigeria, insecurity being one of them. It has been established here that insecurity in Nigeria can be partly attributed to lack of contemporary Literature courses at the NCE training institutions. The paper recommends the need for making Literature a compulsory subject right from the secondary school.