A Study of State and Non-state Provision of Basic Education in Kwara State (2009-2019)
Ambali, Abdulrafiu
Kwara State University (Nigeria)
2020
270
Ph.D.
Kwara State University (Nigeria)
2020
The policy studies on basic education in Africa generally and Nigeria in particular focus on issues such as: reasons for state provision of basic education, problems of public provision of basic education, and the roles of non-state providers of basic education among others. This study centers on both access and quality of basic education provision by both the state and non-state providers of basic education, an area often neglected by African scholars. Western and African scholars alike have expressed different views on the issues of access and quality of basic education provision and the challenges faced in the implementation of basic education policies in recent times. However, to further strengthen contribution in this area of scholarship, this research assesses the basic education policies in Nigeria, focusing on access and quality of both state and non-state provision of basic education in Kwara State, Nigerian, between 2009 and 2019. The study identifies and discusses the main thrusts of the Kwara State basic education policies; examines access and quality of state and non-state provision of basic education; and investigates into the challenges faced in the implementation of basic education policies in the state. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, while data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (simple percentage) and thematic analysis. The study employs a combination of two theories- public good theory and Neo liberal economic theory for its analysis. Findings reveal that though there is the availability of schools within walking distance of not more than 2 kilometers, as stipulated in the UBE policy guidelines, but in terms of affordability, most pupils, especially the children of the poor may not be able to access basic education through the private schools. The study further reveals that high Teacher: Pupils ratio, poor quality of teachers, poor funding of public schools, non-payment of rural allowances, inadequate provision of instructional materials and infrastructural facilities among others, affect the quality of basic education provision. It also found out that poor attitudes of government, nonchalant attitudes of parents and pupils to education, poor teachers' remuneration, teachers' bad attitudes to work, political interference in the process of movement of teachers, faulty recruitment process and lack of political will are the major challenges faced in the implementation of basic education policies in Kwara State. The study recommends the introduction of the School Voucher System, construction of additional classrooms for public junior secondary schools, enactment of law that will guarantee the payment of minimum wage in private schools, adequate funding of public schools and the state's institutions of higher learning, recruitment of more teachers, adherence to policy guidelines, 20% of teacher's basic salary to be paid as rural allowance to teachers in rural schools among others. It therefore argues that until the above suggested policy recommendations are strategically deployed accordingly, the state's basic education sector may continue to operate in a state of perpetual arrested development.