Millennium Development Goals and the Universal Primary Education in Nigeria (A Case Study of Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State)

Abstract

The importance and linkage of education to the development of any society is well known. It is in recognition of this importance that the international community and governments all over the world have made commitments for citizens to have access to education while also improving on the quality of education. Hence, this study focuses on education, particularly achieving Universal Primary Education under the auspices of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria with Oyo State as the case study. The data required for this study were gathered through the use of instruments of questionnaires. The study revealed factors affecting qualitative education which include inadequate funding, inexperienced and lackluster teachers coupled with non-mentally stimulating teaching methods. Based on the findings, the study recommended the following (a) thorough trainings of teachers through workshops and seminars (b) the state government should involve more privileged individuals through its ‘Adopt a School’ program (c) the syllabus should be modified to accommodate  the development and the acquisition of relevant skills (d) schools should be effectively and frequently monitored by the necessary body (e) measures should be taken to discourage students from hawking on the streets after schools hours, this however should be replaced by taking after school lessons. These recommendations are expected to improve the decaying educational standards in Nigeria.

Keywords: Millennium Development Goals, Universal Primary Education, United Nations Millennium Declaration