Utilisation of Local Inputs in the Funding and Administration of Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The article discussed how, why and who is in charge of administering and funding schools in Nigeria. The author utilised the relevant statistical approach which examined and discussed various political and historical trends affecting education. Besides this, relevant documented statistical data were used to both buttress and substantiate related school records to make the paper clearer. The paper focused on whether or not the presence of federal, states and local governments spending on education results in dominant control. Although the administrative control of education falls on the three tiers of government, the purse has direct control over the schools. The author concluded the paper with the assertion that there is need for a shift in the style of administration and funding. This is in compliance with Nigeria's recent democratic administrative principles which should reflect democratic values. Consequently, taxpayers would have more involvement in the schools, and it can also encourage the decentralisation of the school system. Finally, it can help remove the financial burden borne by the federal government while the burden shifts to the local government level. This means that both the administration and payment for education can lie on the people at the ‘grassroots’ and also grant more power to the people.