Types of Higher Education in Traditional Society

There are so many types of higher education in the traditional society, this study will limit discussions on three: secret cults, traditional medicine, and divination.

Secret Cults

Secret cults serve as institutions of higher education in traditional society. It is at this level that the secret power (real or imaginary), profound native philosophy, science and religion are mastered. As the child grows into adulthood, he is led into more advanced intellectual training. The secret society has complex training programmes which must be mastered before the initiation ceremony. Admission, here is restricted to those who have demonstrated the capacity for further growth and ability to keep secrets secret. They are exposed to the study of the secret power (real or imaginary), native philosophy and science theology of animism, depending on the profession each wishes to pursue. (Fafunwa 1974).

* Are you initiated into any secret cult?

Traditional Medicine

This is another type of higher education in the traditional society. Traditional medicine follows definite natural laws for the restoration, maintenance and correction of bodily disorder. The practitioners believe that diseases are caused by the violation of natural laws such as adultery, sexual abuse, failure to eat the required kind of foods and so on, and not by  germs. Based on this philosophy cure for diseases follow the laws of nature using various natural agencies within the environment. Every disease has its own curative approach, different from another. For instance, if a disease is caused by a wizard, the traditional medicine practitioner attacks and gets rid of the wizard-cast spell before administrating any treatment. Traditional medicine practitioners believe that human body, itself has a curative force and that the herbal preparation administered to the body is only to assist that natural force already in the body.

There are so many methods used by the traditional medicine practitioners in carrying out their practice. Some of these methods are herbalism, faith- healing, massaging, heat-therapy and hydro-therapy (Onyeneye & Orubuloye 1985)

* Could you please mention the rest?

Methods of Traditional Medicine

Herbalism

This is the systematic restoration of health through the administration of herbal therapies. It is a very important aspect of traditional medicine. The herbalist uses different parts of the plant: leaves, roots, back, flowers, juice and so on, and sometimes, parts of animals in the preparation of the therapies.

Massaging

This is also an important method of traditional medicine. It is the method of healing whereby the soft tissues of the body are methodically manipulated to achieve the desired cure.

Faith-healing

This is a method of traditional medicine which is more concerned in solving emotional and psychological problems. The faith-healers base their practice on faith and the application of native chalk in the treatment of diseases. In Edo State for instance, faith healing takes the form of Igbeku. Igbeku is a traditional religion which consists of hierarchical structure of gods called uku, saints and priests, a sacred cult, temples and a high priest.

 In the practice of Igbeku patients are made to confess their sins after which they are cured through prayers, incantations and rigorous dancing exercises. (Onyeneye and Orubuloye 1985).

* Do you see any similarity or similarities between this method and the approach of some spiritual churches today?

Hydro-Therapy

This is the treatment of disease through the use of water of various forms and temperature. It takes the form of cold bath, steam bath and hot bath. Each of these forms is prepared with some herbs based on the nature of the disease. It is used in the treatment of so many kinds of diseases; namely rheumatism, asthma, fever, general pains and catarrhal infections.

Heat-Therapy

In this method of treatment, heat is generated from fire which is believed to have mysterious curative agents. Fire heat; according to the practitioners, exercises powerful actions when it penetrates the body. It stimulates the organs of the body, improves the circulation of blood and cures indigestion. It is also used to calm nerves, induce muscular contraction. Heat therapy stimulates the skin through which impurities in the body are removed. * Have you been treated by any of these methods before?