THE CHURCH AND RURAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE NORTH-WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This work assessed the impact of Church activities on educational development of rural areas with particular reference to some selected local governments within Benue state. The objective of the work was to evaluate the educational activities of the church in the rural areas   and how such activities have impacted on the education of the rural people. Applying the Structural functional theory, structured interview, in-depth- interview and non-participant observation were used to collect data which was analysed using tables, percentages and descriptive interpretive analysis. Findings revealed that, the Church has established several Schools, which rendered the desired services that benefited the rural people in various ways. The Church pioneered the establishment of Schools which boosted the acquisition of formal education in the rural areas, leading to attainment of literacy and numeracy by several rural children. This made it possible for the rural areas to produce educated people and elites obtainable in various works of life in the state. Early child education was made available to rural children, the youth and children access formal education nearer home making it easy for girl child education.  It was therefore concluded that the activities of the Church has impacted positively on rural development. Recommendations were made among other things that, new generation churches should key into social gospel in developing rural areas, government should partner with the Church to carry out rural projects, and the host communities to embrace the Church without denominational bias while the Church diversify its activities  to ensure rural development.

Keywords: The Church, Rural Education