With the 6-3-3-4 educational system introduced by the colonial masters, the government set out to ensure that education is free at the preliminary levels of learning and this prompted the introduction of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) by the federal government in 1999.
In 2004, an act was made to ensure that education at the six years of the Primary level and three years of Junior secondary level were free, available and compulsory for every child. Thus the UBE scheme was firmly established. The scheme has made a lot of progress so far and has increased the rate of literacy to a great extent. However, there have been problems in this scheme which require immediate attention, they are as follows: { PROBLEMS Of UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY FORWARD }
PROBLEMS OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY FORWARD
1. INADEQUATE FUNDING
The funding from the government is not enough to cater for the increasing population of children that need basic education. Dilapidated classrooms, insufficient teaching aids and the likes tell the tale of insufficient funding.
2. CORRUPTION
There are corrupt officials that embezzle the funds allocated to the progress of the scheme. This is another major problem of the UBE scheme.
3. LOW EDUCATIONAL STANDARD
The standard of education in this scheme is very low. Children that acquire Universal Basic Education cannot compete favourably with their counterparts from other parts of the world.
4. IGNORANCE
Despite the rising level of literacy, some parents still feel that their young children don’t need education. They either send them to the farms, to hawk or to learn a trade. This happens especially to the females.
5. INSECURITY
The current state of insecurity in the country keeps a lot of children away from the school, in the safety of their homes.
6. RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Some religious fanatics believe that western education makes their children especially the females morally corrupt. They bluntly refuse to send their children to school.
UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA – THE WAY FORWARD
There steps that can be taken to make the UBE scheme a better one. They are:
1. PROPER FUNDING
The government should increase allocation to the scheme so that the quality of education is improved through modern infrastructure and teaching aids.
2. INCREASED STANDARD OF EDUCATION
Teachers under this scheme should endeavor to constantly update themselves in their respective fields. Workshops should be organized regularly for teachers on the best ways to teach the children.
3. JUSTICE
Embezzlement of UBE funds should be thoroughly investigated and erring officials brought to book. The proper mode of punishment should be given to such people.
4. PUBLIC SENSITIZATION
The public should be regularly sensitized on the need for basic education. They should be made to understand that education enables individuals to make better and more calculated decisions, bringing progress to their family and to the nation at large.
The Universal Basic Education scheme is very important as young minds are molded through this scheme. It is therefore paramount that proper attention is taken to ensure its continuous progress, creating and securing a better future for us all.
That’s all about Problems Of Universal Basic Education In Nigeria and The Possible Way Forward.
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