Impact Assessment of the Universal Basic Education Policy on School Enrolment in Selected Local Government Areas of Kwara State

Abstract

Education no doubt has remained a potent tool for accelerating the progress of development of individuals and nations as a whole. In spite many attempts by governments at all levels (Federal, State and Local) to provide basic education to all children of school- going age, Millions of  children of the poor are still been deprived of   this basic right. This research was conducted to ascertain the extent to which U.B.E programme has created more access to basic education for children of school-age. The assumption of the study was that, the implementation of UBE programme has not created more access to basic education for children of school-age. Secondary data were mainly used; data collected were analyzed using tables, percentages and content analysis. The study found a progressive increase in the rate of enrolment; which implies that more school-age children were enrolled in the year under review. Gender disparity still remained steady, but insignificant because of the marginal difference (49% to 51%) in the rate of enrolment between boys and girls. It is however important to note that, inequality in education opportunity still exists, but there is a considerable improvement. This study recommends that, State and Local Government should establish more schools, build more classrooms to cater for the increasing number of prospective school-age pupils (students). The ongoing reform programme tagged “every child count” should also be given the necessary support by all stakeholders in the education sector.

Keywords: Universal Basic Education, Access, Policy, Enrolment.