EDUCATION POLICY IN NIGERIA AND THE GENESIS OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION (UBE), 1999-2018

The Universal Basic Education (UBE) in Nigeria was introduced in 1999 to improve the educational system in the country. The policy was aimed at primary education and junior secondary schools which are the foundations of education worldwide. The paper discussed the UBE Act, 2004 and the statement of the problem outlined. The methodology applied is qualitative technique while cognitive development theory is considered relevant to the work. The Genesis of Education in Nigeria from primary, secondary school and higher education institutions were also analysed. The importance of primary education in a child’s overall development and the relevance of Universal Basic Education in Nigeria were emphasized. The paper suggested the way forward and made some recommendations.