Harnessing Creativity Potentials in Learners for Sustainable Personal and National Development in Nigeria

This paper is titled harnessing creative potentials in learners for sustainable personal and national development in Nigeria. The vision statement in the Nigerian policy on education is intended to use education as an instrument to harness and develop to the fullest the potentials of every Nigerian child. Also brought to the fore were the attributes of creative children, the exigency of the moment to identify, harness and develop creative urge and potentials in children. It was also brought to limelight the fact that creativity has become an imperative for sustainable development in the current globally traumatic economy. Issues also highlighted included a difference but the nexus between intelligence and creativity to achieve results. Also considered were issues of what is considered a creative product and how to determine this through a standardized rating scale and experts’ subjective assessments. Also considered are how schools can develop creative urge in children; designing classroom space for creativity, encouraging curiosity and divergent thinking amongst others. The paper also looked at the importance of creativity for personal and national sustainable development. Creativity needed to be given adequate attention in the education system. The policy statement had not been matched with action and funding by government at all levels and time. It was concluded that creativity was very critical for a good academic career and selffulfillment for any individual aspiring higher. It was suggested amongst others that government in collaboration with schools should organise creativity fares for young people to showcase their creative potentials and promote same.

Keywords: issues, harnessing, creative potentials, learners, sustainable personal and national development, Nigeria