Perceived measures for effective implementation of UBE programme in Delta State, Nigeria.

1. PERCEIVED MEASURES FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL BASIC
EDUCATION (UBE) PROGRAMME IN PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN
DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
BY
• DR. YUSUF SULEIMAN
LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELLING, FACULTY
OF EDUCATION, AL-HIKMAH UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA
• &
• FESTUS DIAMIRUIYE MRAKPOR
DOCTORAL STUDENT, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNICAF UNIVERSITY, CYPRUS
BEING A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE,
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, ADA UNIVERSITY, BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
• 19TH JUNE, 2019
•

2. OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION
• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Research Questions
• Research Objectives
• Methods
• Results
• Conclusion
• Recommendations
• References

3. INTRODUCTION
- Globally, education is seen as the process of transferring ideas, values and norms
from one generation to another generation. It remains critical to global
development and human welfare in every society (World Bank Report, 2018).
- When delivered well, education promises young people employment, better
earnings, good health, and a life without poverty. For communities, education spurs
innovation, strengthens institutions, and fosters social cohesion (World Bank
Report, 2018).
- The Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Universal Basic Education (UBE)
programme in September 1999 for the purpose of achieving compulsory, free and
universal basic education. It was also Nigeria’s response to the achievement of
Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

4. INTRODUCTION
- The UBE programme, as a policy reform measure, is aimed at rectifying distortions
in basic education (for primary and junior secondary schools) delivery in the
country as well as catering for basic education in the formal and non-formal
sectors.
- The main thrust of the UBE programme is to lay the foundation for lifelong
learning through the inculcation of appropriate learning, self-awareness,
citizenship and life skills. Specifically, the three cardinal objectives of the
programme include:
-
Develop strong consciousness for education
Provide free, compulsory, universal basic education for every Nigerian child of
school age group
Reduce drastically the incidence of drop out from the formal school system

5. INTRODUCTION
UBE programme was established mainly to cater for primary and junior secondary
schools in Nigeria. According to National Policy on Education, Section 2 sub-section
18, primary education is the education given to children aged 6-12 years. Section 2
sub-section 19 states the following as objectives of primary education:
1
Inculcate permanent literacy and numeracy A B C
2
Lay a sound basis for scientific, critical and reflective thinking
3
Promote patriotism, fairness, understanding and national unity
4
Instill social, moral norms and values in the child
5
Develop life manipulative skills that will enable the child to function effectively

6. INTRODUCTION
Also, Section 2 sub-section 21 of the policy described junior secondary education as
the education which a child receives immediately after primary school. Section 2
sub-section 22 of the policy highlights the objectives of junior secondary education
in Nigeria. They are:
1
Provide the child with diverse basic knowledge and skills for entrepreneurship and
educational advancement
2
Develop patriotic young equipped to contribute to social development and the
performance of their civic responsibilities.
3
Inculcate values and raise morally upright individuals capable of independent
thinking, and who appreciate the dignity of labour.
4
Inspire national consciousness and harmonious co-existence irrespective of
differences in endowment, religion, colour, ethnic and socio-economic background.

7. INTRODUCTION
In spite of the success recorded in providing basic education in Nigeria, World Bank
(2018) report shows that the education crisis in Nigeria is currently widening the
social inclusion gaps in the country.
Millions of
children are
out of School
Teachers
often absent
from school
Those who
completed
school could
not read and
write
Decline in
completion
rate
poor funding

8. INTRODUCTION
- In Delta State, there is a general belief that much desired socio-political and
economic changes can only be achieved through education, whether formal or
non-formal.
- Given the historical antecedent, Delta State ranks high among the educationally
conscious and thirsty states in the country especially with its emphasis on
education as a veritable tool for socio-political and economic growth (Delta State
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, 2014; The Pointer Newspaper, 2019).
- Despite the fact that Delta State occupies a frontline position in the country’s
education sector in terms of service delivery, there are 551,709 out-of-school
children in public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.

9. INTRODUCTION
To further buttress the rot in public schools in Delta State, in March 2019, a viral
video of the little Success flooded the social media, it was a tragi-comedy to see this
girl of about six years but already wise beyond her years, angry that she was asked
to leave school because she didn’t pay examination fees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=966NXu8Qxr0
In view of the foregoing, therefore, this study examined the perceived measures for
effective implementation of UBE programme in Delta State so that the objectives of
primary and junior secondary education can be achieved.

10. Literature Review
Author Research Type Findings
Adirika and Oluwatayo
(2013)
Quantitative
Approach
Availability of facilities
improved teaching and
learning in classroom .
Eddho (2009) Quantitative
Approach
Insufficient planning hindered
educational programmes and
policies in Nigeria.
Gillies (2017) Quantitative
Approach
That human capital theory
assumed that education is key
to improve the production
capacity of population.
Ifeoma (2012) Quantitative
Approach
Inadequate funding leading to
poor maintenance culture in
most schools in Nigeria .
Obidike and Onwuka (2013 Quantitative
Approach
Schools are faced with several
challenges in the poor school
facilities

11. Research Questions & Objectives
Research Questions
1. Are the objectives of UBE programme in
public primary and junior secondary schools in
Delta State achieved?
2. What are the challenges militating against the
implementation of UBE programme in public
primary and junior secondary schools in Delta
State?
3. What are the measures that can be used to
ensure effective implementation of UBE
programme in public primary and junior
secondary schools in Delta State?
Research Objectives
1. To establish whether the objectives of
UBE programme in Delta State are achieved.
2. To identify challenges militating against
effective implementation of UBE programme in
public primary and junior secondary schools in
Delta State.
3. To suggest possible measures that can be
used to ensure effective implementation of
UBE programme in public primary and junior
secondary schools in Delta State.
•

12. Methods
Qualitative Approach
Population
Sampling Technique
Interview Protocol
Trustworthiness
Data Collection & Analysis Procedure
All headmasters and principals in primary and junior
secondary schools in Delta State
Delta North : 4 participants
Delta Central: 7 participants
Delta South : 4 participants
Total = 15 Participants
Purposive & Convenience
Techniques
Interview Protocol on Perceived Measures for Effective
Implementation of UBE (IPPMEI)
Adapted from: Arong & Ogbadu (2010), Ejere (2011)
Validity Check: Interview protocol was given to experts
for observations
Reliability Check : Pilot study was conducted with one
principal
Data Collection: Digital tape recorder, biro, pencil & jotter
digital camera
Data Analysis Procedure: Thematic analysis

13. Methods
Qualitative Approach
Map of Delta State

14. Methods
Quantitative Approach
S/N Checklist for Secondary Data Collected Period Covered (5 years)
1 Data on teacher/pupil ratio in primary and junior secondary
schools.
2012-2016
2 Data on pupil/classroom ratio in primary and junior secondary
schools.
2012-2016
3 Data on enrolment level in primary and junior secondary
schools.
2012-2016
4 Data on completion rate in primary and junior secondary
schools.
2012-2016
5 Data on statistics of primary school teachers 2012-2016
6 Data on statistics of junior secondary school teachers 2012-2016

15. Results
Qualitative Approach
Stage One: Data Transcription
Stage Two: Data Coding and Summary of Findings
10-page of participants’
excerpts
Themes generation
based on research
questions of the study

16. Results
Qualitative Approach
Timeline of Interviews Conducted
School Interview Period
School 1 2nd - 4th October, 2018
School 2 8th – 9th October, 2018
School 3 12th – 14th October, 2018
School 4 15th – 17th October, 2018
School 5 and 6 20th – 21st October, 2018
School 7 and 8 24th – 25th October, 2018
School 9 and 10 5th – 7th November, 2018
School 11 and 12 10th – 11th November, 2018
School 13 and 14 15th – 16th November, 2018
School 15 17th – 20th November, 2018

17. Results
Qualitative Approach
Code Assigned to Participants
School Code Assigned
School 1 Principal 1
School 2 Principal 2
School 3 Principal 3
School 4 Principal 4
School 5 Principal 5
School 6 Principal 6
School 7 Principal 7
School 8 Principal 8
School 9 Principal 9
School 10 Principal 10
School 11 HM 1
School 12 HM 2
School 13 HM 3
School 14 HM 4
School 15 HM 5

18. Results
Qualitative Approach
Stage Two: Summary of Findings
Theme 1: Objectives of UBE Programme in Delta State Primary and Junior Secondary Schools
Sub-themes:
1. Provide free education (primary and junior secondary education)
2. Increase literacy
3. Reduce the rate of out-of-school children
Theme 2: Perceived Challenges in the implementation of UBE Programme in Delta State Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.
Sub-themes:
1. Poor funding
2. Inadequate infrastructure
3. Poor maintenance culture
4. Lack of adequate data
5. Lack of qualified teachers
6. Poor teachers’ remuneration
Theme 3: Perceived Measures for Effective Implementation of UBE Programme in Delta State Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.
Sub-themes:
1. Adequate Data Gathering
2. Adequate Funding
3. Adequate Infrastructure
4. Adequate Teaching and Learning Materials
5. Recruitment of Adequate/Qualified Teachers
6. Teachers’ Welfare

19. Results
Additional Findings from Quantitative Approach
(a) Ratio in Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools
Indicator Public Primary Schools Public Junior Secondary Schools
Pupil/Teacher Ratio 32 28
Pupil/Classroom Ratio 57 52
32
28
57
52
Public Primary Schools Public Junior Secondary Schools
Ratio in Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Delta State,
Nigeria
Pupil/Teacher Ratio Pupil/Classroom Ratio

20. Results
Additional Findings from Quantitative Approach
(b) Enrolment Level in Public Primary Schools (2012-2016)
Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (2017 Report)
Indicator 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
Male 248363 242401 253461 240405 194207 1178837
Female 249989 239013 248288 238675 191310 1167275
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Female
Male

21. Results
Additional Findings from Quantitative Approach
(c ) Enrolment Level in Public Junior Secondary Schools (2012-2016)
Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (2017 Report)
Indicator 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Total
Male 89714 90593 92476 108651 79740
461174
Female 89206 92401 95499 110994 75388 463488
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Female
Male

22. Results
Additional Findings from Quantitative Approach
(d) Completion Rate in Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria
Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (2017 Report)
Indicator Public Primary Schools Public Junior Secondary Schools
Male 43.13 42.74
Female 39.48 35.83
43.13 42.74
39.48
35.83
Public Primary Schools Public Junior Secondary Schools
Completion Rate in Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Delta
State, Nigeria
Male Female

23. Results
Additional Findings from Quantitative Approach
(e) Statistics of Primary School Teachers in Delta State, Nigeria
Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (2017 Report)
Indicator All Teachers Qualified Teachers (Public) Unqualified Teachers (Public)
Male 2658 2161
1377Female 6649 5769
Total 9307 7930
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
All Teachers Qualified Teachers
Male
Female

24. Results
Additional Findings from Quantitative Approach
(f) Statistics of Junior Secondary School Teachers in Delta State, Nigeria
Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (2017 Report)
Indicator All Teachers Qualified Teachers (Public) Unqualified Teachers
Male 5245 2311
6059
Female 6097 2972
Total 11342 5283
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
All Teachers Qualified Teachers
Male
Female

25. Conclusion
 The main objective of UBE programme, which is to reduce the
number of out-of-school children (by offering free and
compulsory education from primary to junior secondary
education) to the barest minimum, is yet to be fully achieved.
Currently, 551,709 children are out of school in Delta State,
Nigeria.
 There are many challenges militating against effective
implementation of UBE programme, they include poor funding,
inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance culture, lack of
adequate data and poor teachers’ remuneration.

26. Conclusion
 Pupil-teacher ratio in public primary schools is 32, while student-
teacher ratio in public junior secondary schools is 28.
 There is overpopulation of pupils in classroom. Specifically, pupil-
classroom ratio in public primary schools is 57, while pupil-
classroom ratio in public junior secondary schools is 52.
 There is decline in enrolment level. Pupil enrolment level in public
primary schools from 2012-2016 is 234, 6112 (male: 1178837;
female: 1167275) while student enrolment level in public junior
secondary schools is 924, 662 (male: 461174; female: 463488)

27. Conclusion
 Completion rate is low. In public primary school, completion rate is
43.13 for male and 39.48 for male while completion rate in junior
secondary school is 42.74 for male and 35.83 for female. Thus,
completion rate is less than 50%.
 There are unqualified teachers in primary schools. For instance, the
total number of all primary school teachers is 9,307 (male: 2,658;
female: 6,649). Number of qualified teachers in public primary
schools is 7,930 while number of unqualified teachers is 1,377.
 Lastly, there are cases of inadequate and unqualified teachers in
junior secondary schools. The total number of all junior secondary
school teachers is 11,342 (male: 5245; female: 6,097), the number of
qualified teachers is 5,283. Number of unqualified ones is 6,059.

28. Recommendations
 Review of UBE policy is needed to reflect the current reality in
education sector in Delta State, Nigeria.
 In line with UNESCO’s recommendation of 25% budget allocation to
education, budget allocation to primary and junior secondary
education should be increased by Delta State government.
 Stakeholders in education should assist government in the provision
of adequate facilities in primary and junior secondary schools.
 Existing facilities in the schools should be maintained regularly.
Adequate qualified teachers should be recruited.

29. Recommendations
 Improvement in headmasters, principals and teachers’ condition of service.
 To increase enrolment level in both primary and junior secondary schools,
parents should be sensitized on the importance of education; this will help
to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
 To ensure effective learning, teacher-pupil ratio should be reduced to 25
while pupil-classroom should equally be reduced to 25.
 Periodic training and retraining of headmasters, principals and teachers
should be constant .
Lastly, adequate data gathering regarding primary and junior secondary
schools should be collected to help in policy formulation and
implementation.

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35. Appendix A
Status of Some Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Delta
State, Nigeria

36. Appendix A
Status of Some Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Delta
State, Nigeria

37. Appendix B
Success of Sapele and the Case of a Not so Free Education in Delta
State, Nigeria

38. ThanksforlisteningtoOURpresentation
mayallahblessyouall
(Ameen)