Demography as a determinant of an education system for Japan, Nigeria and South Africa

Abstract

This research is aimed at looking into demography as a determinant of the education system of Japan, Nigeria and South Africa. The various manifestations of this phenomenon as it affects the afore-said countries are looked into in order to derive lessons South Africa could learn from Japan and Nigeria. The main purpose of an education system is to meet the needs of the target group for which it has been designed. Demographic needs are but one of the few needs of the target group that have to be addressed. The literature study has been used in order to gain a better understanding of the demographic issues with regard to the countries in question. Chapter 2 presents some theoretical guidelines with regard to demography as a determinant of the education system. Chapter 3 presents demographic issues pertaining to Japan and how the Japanese system of education takes cognisance of such issues. Subsequently, lessons which could be learnt by the South African education system are highlighted. Chapter 4 is devoted to the presentation of the demographic issues as determinant of the education system of Nigeria and how the Nigerian education system takes cognisance of such issues. Subsequently, lessons which could be of value to South Africa are mernioned. Chapter 5 concentrates on the description of the demographic conditions in South Africa and how these conditions are taken cognisance of by the education system. Chapter 6 presents the summary of the preceding chapters. Findings are presented and recommendations are made with a view to improving the South African situation.