Status of Primary Education in Nigeria Following the Initiation Period of Universal Primary Education

Abstract

Abstract A study surveying 247 local education inspectors responsible for visiting and supervising 57,314 teachers is reported in order to build a portrait of conditions in Nigerian primary schools several years after the initiation of universal primary education. Inspectors described training and living conditions of their teachers and conditions of schools and supplies. The results suggest that many teachers are undertrained, additional classrooms are needed and basic teaching aids and textbooks are in short supply. The study concludes that quality education does occur in Nigerian primary schools; that a cadre of trained teachers is developing; and that the potential for high-quality mass primary education exists.