By: Mosugu, Joseph Tegan.
This paper seeks to address the Nigerian system of free universal primary education under the Universal Basic Education program. By looking at Nigeria’s colonial history and the predecessor program of the U.B.E., the Universal Primary Education program (U.P.E.), this paper thoroughly examines the evolution of primary education in Nigeria. It addresses the implementation of providing free universal primary education and takes into consideration: cultural differences, national funding, social stratification and human capital. The purpose of this paper is to point out a disenfranchised system of collaboration that exists in Nigeria from the federal government to the local spheres of life. This disenfranchised system has been a result of an old ineffective mentality that fails to address and accommodate the needs and demands of the Nigerian populace. The question that arises is how than can policymakers ensure a system of sustainable, universal primary education. The lack of adaptability and the laissez-faire policies of leaders are the major hindrances to advancing universal primary education.
Most of my methodology in this paper is composed of qualitative data, but in reference to programs in the past, quantitative data is used to highlight progress made in education. Most of the evidence utilized is generated from educational specialists in Nigeria, with few accounts coming from the Nigerian populace when it comes to primary education applicable to specific groups of people in different parts of the country. The paper produces untraditional results due to the unconventional approach used in tackling universal free primary education.
How do you propose standardizing education across the many elasticities in Nigeria?
I like how you pointed out the various factors that are preventing Nigeria from providing free primary education but with the diverse local governments and non-cooperation between the local governments and federal governments, will this goal ever be achieved?
I was wondering if you could expand more of the issue that came up during your presentation – corruption. I thought it was an interesting topic that deserved more attention. Corruption is an issue present all over the world, and especially among a large number of African countries. I would like to ask you to explain once again where do you think issue of corruption fits into the issue of education? Can education issue still be fixed despite the transparency issue?
Jacob- As mentioned in the presentation, it is possible for Nigeria to use the NEI Module across the country.
Nia- It will be achieved by making every part of the country different when it comes to education and through stricter laws.
Anastasia- Education cannot be fixed despite the transparency issue. Corruption involves everyone. In order for education to be fixed, the mentality of everyone must be changed and the only way that can be achieved is through a top-bottom approach of government and of leadership.
I was wondering if you could expand upon what it means to pay for a “free” education. Also, what needs to be done so that families do not have to pay for their “free” education?
Like Anastasia asked, I was wondering if you could talk more about corruption in the Nigerian government and its implications in achieving universal primary education. What is the evidence of corruption in Nigeria? As someone who doesn’t know too much about the country- what levels of government are “corrupted” and how?
I wonder if its ever possible to have an uncorrupt system of education. While I know that there are systems that are better at reducing corruption, I think it is difficult to make a perfect education system.