EVALUATING NIGERIA’S EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIC PLANS: CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS TO EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

This study examines the implementation challenges of Nigeria's educational strategic plans, including the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, National Policy on Education (NPE), and National Education Sector Plan (NESP) 2020-2030. Through qualitative document analysis of secondary data from 2015 to 2025, the research identifies key barriers such as chronic underfunding (6.7% of the 2025 budget vs. UNESCO's 26% recommendation), poor infrastructure (65% of schools lack basic facilities), weak administrative capacity, policy discontinuities, insecurity, and socio-cultural barriers. These challenges contribute to Nigeria's high out-of-school children rate (10.5 million), particularly affecting girls in northern regions, and hinder progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). Recommendations, among others, include increasing budgetary allocation to 26%, enhancing stakeholder coordination, investing in digital and physical infrastructure, strengthening school security, and promoting gender-inclusive policies through community campaigns. The study calls for concrete policy action, sustained political will, and the initiation of targeted primary research to drive meaningful reforms in Nigeria's education sector.