Influence of Universal Basic Education on Political Development in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
- May 30, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Public Administration
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
Ndum, Victor Etim (Ph.D)1, Udoye, Rita Nneka2 and Henshaw, Vera Ene3
1,3Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Calabar, Nigeria
2School of Business Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Abstract:-In this study, a careful examination of influence of Universal Basic Education on Political development in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria is made. The survey research design is used. Population of the study consisted of all teachers and stakeholders of Universal Basic Education in primary schools in Etung Local Government Area. The population size therefore was three hundred and fifty (350) teachers. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100) respondents, forming the sample size. A structured instrument was used for data collection. Data was statistically analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis at.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between Universal Basic Education and Political development. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers, managers, government and all stakeholders in the Universal Basic Education programme should be more focused and dynamic in their tasks, with the understanding that these efforts would translate into political transformation in Nigeria.
Keywords: Universal Basic Education, Political Stability, Government, Programme
I. INTRODUCTION
It has become very glaring that education is very central in the socio-political and economic development of nations. More so, educating the child would breed gradual moulding and transformation of the totality of the individual and shaping them to be functional in the society. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme was launched on 30th September 1999 by the then President of Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo. The programme is designed to provide free and compulsory education for children in the primary and junior secondary schools in the country. President Obasanjo on launching the scheme assured that the many problems that bedevilled the 1976 Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme would not be allowed to hamper the 9-year basic education programme. He further pointed out that the scheme is aimed at arresting the decline and decay as well as expanding and improving on the UPE scheme. Prior to the launching of the UBE, a child starts primary school at the age of 6 years or thereabout and graduates with a first school leaving certificate. He then takes a common entrance examination that qualifies him/her for admission into a secondary school. The UBE came as a replacement of this system. The UBE involves 6 years of primary school and 3 years of junior secondary school culminating in 9 years of uninterrupted schooling. Transition from one class to another is automatic, though assessed through continuous assessment. The UBE programme is designed to remove distortions and inconsistencies in basic education delivery and to reinforce the implementation of the National Policy on Education. It is also to provide greater access to basic education and ensure its quality throughout the country. The Universal Basic Education Act (2004) defines Universal Basic Education as early childhood care and education, the nine years of formal schooling, adult literacy and non-formal education, skills acquisition programmes and the education of special groups such as nomads and migrants, girl-child and women, almajiri, street children and disabled groups.
