CHANGING TRENDS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY EDUCATION IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA 1995-2005

Abstract

The Nigerian Primary school System which is the cornerstone of economic and social development is yet to meet the expected goals of teaching pupils basic cognitive skills as well as equipping them to develop attitudes and skills that are needed to function effectively. Various programs, policies and regulations were made to bring about improvement in the school system. The study should that remarkable had been made in that there was wide expansion in public primary education. More children were enrolled and great resources invested. Gender disparity had been achieved and teacher-pupil ratio favorable. However, there was rising incidence of poor performance, parents were unwilling to patronize public schools while the number functionally illiterates school leavers increased. Problems hindering functional education were identified, while stakeholders offer suggestions for solution. Appropriate recommendations to improve the school system were consequently made.