Exploring Alternative Sources of Funding Universal Basic Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract

It is a statement of fact that people all over the world are day by day becoming aware of and sensitive to the benefits of formal education. The educational needs for primary and secondary education in Nigeria have increased due to the introduction of Free Basic Education in 1999 and the increased transition rate. This will require that the government commits more resources towards basic education. This study was conducted to identify the alternative sources of financing basic education in Plateau North and their influence on management of those schools. It also sought to identify challenges facing schools in financing Basic education and the impact of alternative sources of income on the school budget. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The study sample consisted of thirty school principals and their bursars; five from each of the six local governments in Plateau North, six ES’s, and six DQAs. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to the school principals, while interview schedules were used for bursars, ES’s, and director of quality assurance. This research was guided by the Capital Theory of School Effectiveness and Improvement developed by Hargreaves (2001). Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. Findings of the study revealed that the dominant sources of financing Basic education include households and the government with the mean scores of 3.34 and 3.66 respectively. Other sources of funding are private sector, religious organizations, communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Further findings revealed that earnings from this sources enhanced management in secondary schools through salary remuneration for BOG/ PTA teachers, support staff and student motivation, to purchase more teaching and learning materials and improvement of physical facilities. The Ministry of Education should therefore formulate policies on how schools can implement alternative sources of financing secondary education to reduce overdependence on government.