CHALLENGES HINDERING THE FUNDING OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Abstract

In spite of the importance of education in national development, education has not been enjoying commensurate financing in Nigeria. One of the approaches the government adopts in financing education in Nigeria is the annual budgetary provision to the sector which is distributed as subvention/grants to the different levels of the educational system. Over the years, financial allocation to education sector in Nigeria leaves much to be desired. Therefore, this study examines the challenges hindering funding of Universal Basic Education in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The structural functionalism theory was employed as a framework. Questionnaire and interview were used for primary method while secondary data collection involves intense library search and internet browsing. The study revealed that political interference in the allocation to education, allocation in preference for higher education, poor accountability of funds allocated to education, as well as delay in the release of funds allocated to education, are the challenges hindering funding of Universal Basic Education in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study showed that Nigeria’s budgetary allocation was less than the 26 percent recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the years under review. The study also discovered that the allocated funds were not fully implemented by the relevant agencies. To achieve improved and adequate funding and move education forward in Nigeria from its present state, encouragement of participation of NGOs and private sector in education financing, mobilization of external sources through appropriate bilateral agreements, and effective monitoring of funds allocated to education, among others, are recommended