Public Expenditure on Education and Educational Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of public expenditure on education on educational development in Nigeria, with particular focus on public secondary schools in Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 1,318 teachers across 129 public secondary schools in the seven Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District. A sample of 132 teachers (representing 10% of the teacher population) was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that public expenditure on education has a significant effect on educational infrastructure development, teachers' availability and quality, students' enrolment and retention, and students' academic achievement. The study concluded that public expenditure on education is a critical determinant of educational development in Nigeria. It was recommended that the government should increase budgetary allocation to education to meet the UNESCO recommended benchmark, ensure timely release of funds, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective utilisation of educational funds.

Keywords: Public expenditure, educational development, educational planning, infrastructure, teachers' quality, students' enrolment, academic achievement, Edo South Senatorial District.