Science Vs. Art: The Over-Sectionalisation Of Education In Nigerian Secondary Schools

It is an unwritten rule that secondary school students (in Nigerian schools) who are transitioning from junior to senior secondary, have to decide whether they want to be in the class for the sciences or the arts. Very often, there is no option for a fusion of both. During the first three years of secondary school, all students take the same classes which include basic subjects such as mathematics, English, basic science, and social studies. Students get a blend of everything so that they can find their strengths and interests. It is expected that by the end of their third year (out of six) of secondary school, which is referred to as junior secondary 3 (JS3), students should have decided whether they want to be “art or science” oriented.

Students in the sciences take classes including further mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, and technical drawing. On the other hand, art students are inclined towards literature, economics, government, and social studies.