The Role of International Cooperation in Science Education in Nigeria : Past, Present and the Way Forward

It is generally accepted that good science education is a necessary factor for the economic development of any nation. In realization of this, the Nigerian National Policy on Education has provisions for quality science education for the citizenry. Securing high quality science education in any country therefore, requires joint effort or cooperation. Since the political and economic crises in Nigeria, such international cooperation has greatly declined and may be part of the problems for the crises in science education in Nigeria. This paper presents the past and present situations in science teaching and cooperation in Nigeria. Innovations in Japanese science education such as non-science major's curriculum - option 1A, textbook and science teaching material production and international cooperation activities between universities, faculties and science researchers are proposed as the way forward for Nigeria in the 21st century.