Trends in the development of education of the deaf in Nigeria between 1950 and 1985: An interview and historical study

The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the trends in the development of education of the deaf in Nigeria between 1950 and 1985 and to examine the roles of administrators during that development. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research method was used. An interview instrument was developed with four specific research questions guiding the study.;The analysis of the data was conducted following the principles of ethnographic research, which included the use of the constant comparative method of analysis. This was illustrated by a developmental model, called "The Nigerian Developmental Model," with four components.;The findings of the study included the events and situations that influenced the opening and development of schools for the deaf in Nigeria, such as: (a) the perceived major purpose of education of the deaf in Nigeria; (b) the formation in 1956 of the Society for the Care of the Deaf and in 1957 of the Christian Mission for the Deaf; and (c) positive changes in society's attitude toward deafness and deaf citizens of Nigeria.;A number of recommendations were made, including, among others: (a) the federal government should allocate grants-in-aid for education of deaf citizens to states on the basis of need; (b) a management board should be established to manage state schools for the deaf on behalf of the state Ministries of Education; and (c) the authorities should consider the needs of teachers of deaf students for in-service training.;18 questions constituting the interview Protocols were asked of 16 participants who were selected to participate in the study. The interviews took place in Nigeria where the researcher travelled and visited with the participants at different locations across the country over a period of approximately 10 weeks. Their responses to the interview questions were recorded on cassette tape and later transcribed.