MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY AND EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY: ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY INTERVENTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Aim of the study: Nigeria has a high incidence of multidimensional poverty and educational inequality. The government has implemented several policies to address these challenges, but the results have been mixed. Given this, the study assesses a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria's government's policy intervention regarding multidimensional poverty and educational inequality based on the country's current situation, policy initiatives, effectiveness, and the way forward. Design/Methodology: The study employed the interpretivism philosophy, and a qualitative approach was adopted in data collection and analysis. Secondary data were sourced from the current reports of the World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, and NBS for a more detailed and accurate analysis. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that addressing multidimensional poverty and educational inequality is a complex and long-term process that requires sustainable efforts through investing in rural development, as 80% of all multidimensionally poor people live in rural areas. Practical Implications: The research was able to bring to light the need for governments to invest massively in formal and informal education, industrialisation, proper planning and policies, inter-ministerial collaboration, database unification, and timely population census. Originality/value: This empirical study will provide more in-depth knowledge of SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 through practical implementation for Nigerian governments at all levels and other stakeholders. The study distinguished itself from prior similar investigations. To summarise, this empirical study will provide more knowledge through real-world application, primarily for addressing multidimensional poverty and educational inequality in Nigeria. Keywords: Government policy interventions, Multidimensional poverty, educational inequality, intersectionality Theory, Gender inequality Paper Type: Review Article