ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE-BASED EVALUATION ACROSS REGIONS

Abstract

This study assesses the effectiveness of Nigeria’s educational policies by examining key performance indicators such as student enrollment, literacy rates, teacher quality, infrastructure, and examination outcomes. Employing qualitative content analysis, the study synthesizes data from policy documents, government reports, academic literature, and international development sources. Findings reveal pronounced disparities in policy implementation across Nigeria’s regions. Southern states like Lagos and Ogun exhibit stronger educational outcomes due to robust governance, economic stability, and private sector engagement. Conversely, northern states such as Borno and Yobe face persistent challenges stemming from insecurity, cultural barriers, and insufficient funding. Urban areas benefit from better infrastructure and resources, while rural communities struggle with teacher shortages, inadequate facilities, and low enrollment levels. Key obstacles to policy effectiveness include underfunding (often below UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% of the national budget), political instability, corruption, and frequent shifts in policy direction. The study concludes that although Nigeria’s educational policies are well-conceived, their uneven implementation exacerbates regional and urban–rural inequalities. Policy implications include increasing budgetary allocation to education, prioritizing underserved regions, institutionalizing policies to safeguard against political disruptions, and strengthening teacher recruitment and training mechanisms.