A SURVEY OF NATIONAL POLICY OF EDUCATION ON ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF BASIC EDUCATION IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), ABUJA

ABSTRACT

Education remains a vital aspect of human society, particularly basic education. However, access and quality to basic education have continued to prove challenging in Nigeria. This study appraised the national policy of education on access to and quality of basic education in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The major objective was to look at how the national policy on education has improved or otherwise of access to basic education and the quality of basic education in the FCT. The study adopted survey method; and through the instruments of questionnaire and in-depth interview Guide and from a sample frame of 302 respondents. The study found that, access and quality of basic education in the FCT was at an optimal level. This implies that, access to basic education has consistently improved and quality is relatively good, except for some rural areas of the FCT. The study also found that in the last five years; there have been increased in enrollment level into basic education in the FCT. The study recommended that more funds should be injected into the basic education system to address some of the challenges affecting basic education as revealed by the study. With more funds, there will be better class rooms, instructional materials and more recruitment of better and qualified teachers will be undertaken. With more funding the issues of PTA levies and other charges will be avoided, and the provision of school materials like uniforms, sandals etc. by government will address the challenges of access for parents with low economic status.