Decentralization of educational development reforms in Nigeria: a comparative perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to appraise regional compliance to decentralization laws establishing Education Boards and Committees since the Nigerian Government has for some time now been making efforts aimed at reforming her educational system.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing ex post facto design, the study uses survey data generated from 1,939 participants, who are key stakeholders in the education sector between 2003 and 2005. Participants include men, women, youths, school administrators, teachers, politicians, traders, community leaders et al., from suburban, urban and rural areas of the country.

Findings

Findings emerging from analysed data, using comparative means show low regional compliance to the decentralization law establishing Education Boards and committees.

Research limitations/implications

There was a poor response (43 percent) from sampled participants in the South Eastern Zone, when compared to other zones having over 90 percent response.

Practical implications

This study has implications for improved compliance to laws on educational reforms, regarding broadband representation in education boards and committees.

Originality/value

The research exposes regional complacency to implementation of national reform programmes in Nigeria's educational systems.

Citation

Ikoya, P.O. (2007), "Decentralization of educational development reforms in Nigeria: a comparative perspective", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 45 No. 2, pp. 190-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578230710732961