TEACHER PERCEPTION ON THE ROLE OF AFRICAN INDEPENDENT CHURCH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN IKARE AKOKO

The contributions of African Independent Churches (AICs) to the development of education in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Prominent among these churches are the Church of the Lord (Aladura), Cherubim and Seraphim, Christ Apostolic Church, Celestial Church of Christ, and the Zionist Church. These churches have established educational institutions ranging from primary and secondary schools to teacher training colleges and colleges of education across Nigeria. Ikare, a major town in Ondo State, hosts several of these churches and their educational institutions. This study examined teachers’ perceptions of the role of African Independent Churches in the development of education in Ikare. The population comprised teachers in public and private secondary schools in Ikare Akoko Area of Ondo State. Using a purposive sampling technique, 100 teachers were selected for the study. Findings revealed that teachers generally perceived the contributions of African Independent Churches as helpful, significant, and impactful. The results indicated that to a great extent, these churches have contributed meaningfully to the development of education in Ikare through school establishment, provision of employment opportunities, moral instruction, and infrastructural support. The study concludes that African Independent Churches remain vital partners in educational development in Ikare and, by extension, Nigeria. Keywords: Church, education, African Independent Churches, educational development, teachers.