Education is one of the most crucial and strategic sectors of any nation upon the Earth. As a key source of investment in the area of human capital development, it plays a vital role in long-term productivity and growth, be it at the macro or micro levels. Etymologically, the English word "Education" derives its origin from two root Latin words i.e., "educare" and "educere." The former term "educare" literally means "to train, to form or to mould." In other words, the implication is that the society trains, forms or moulds the individual to achieve his social needs and aspirations. The latter word "educere", on the other hand, means "to build," to lead or to develop." Simply put, Authentic education develops the natural deposits within every child in order to enable him function optimally in the society according to his abilities, needs and interests. On this premise, education could be defined as "the Total Development of the individual child through acceptable methods and techniques based upon his abilities and interests to meet up the needs of the society and for that individual to take his rightful place, contributing equally to the enhancement of the society." Additionally, education is a gift each generation transfers to the next, making them develop attitudes, abilities, skills and other behavioural traits which are positive values within the society where they reside.
Nation Building is another concept which requires some explanation for the sake of clarity. Nation Building could be defined as "the Multidimensional Process which involves the sustained elevation of the entire society and social system towards a better life." Based upon this, the following are diverse ways Education could be used as a Platform for National Development:
THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR SPAWNS ALL OTHER SECTORS
Professional practitioners such as lawyers, architects, doctors etc are trained by passing through the Educational Sector hence if the latter is faulty, so would the former.
EDUCATION DEPLOYS THE REQUIRED MANPOWER FOR NATION BUILDING
The quality of any Nation's Education is directly proportional to that same nation's degree of development. This is the case because every nation's social, moral, cultural and economic aspirations are boosted by the skills, dexterity and character of the individuals therein.
EDUCATION PROMOTES SOCIAL AND GROUP RELATIONSHIPS
Schools bring people of various cultural backgrounds and orientations together for a Common Purpose: Relating and interacting meaningfully with one another in order to maximize Effective Communication for human progress.
EDUCATION PROMOTES THE CULTURE OF PRODUCTIVITY BY HELPING INDIVIDUALS TO DISCOVER THE CREATIVE POTENTIAL WITHIN THEM
The inevitable outcome of this is an upsurge in efficiency of their personal societal efforts as they apply the aforementioned potential to the improvement of existing skill and technique of performing specific tasks.
EDUCATION CULTIVATES WITHIN INDIVIDUALS THOSE VALUES THAT MAKE FOR GOOD CITIZENSHIP
From this we can see that Proper Education provides sound moral training, enabling individuals to become responsible by imbibing Virtues such as Honesty, Integrity, Selflessness, Diligence and Tolerance.