AN ANALYSIS OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR OF NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT

Government expenditure on education in Nigeria is categorized under the social and community services
sector. The importance of education in national development cannot be overemphasized hence its cardinal position
in various objectives of most developing countries. In Nigeria over the years, elements of uncertainty have beclouded
this sector both in nominal and in real terms. Incessant strikes, closure of schools and other vices account for poor
quality teaching and quality of products. The objective of this study is to examine the profile of educational
expenditure in Nigeria (1977 – 1998). An education expenditure model was constructed and tested using the ordinary
least squares (OLS) technique. The estimates, though not overwhelmingly robust, it was discovered that federal
government revenue is the singular significant determinant of educational expenditure model. It is the recommendation
of this paper that other sources of financing education should be encouraged.