MANAGEMENT OF DIVERSIFICATION IN NIGERIAN EDUCATION: IMPLICATION FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION LEVEL IN NIGERIA

Johnson Agbonavbare Osaigbovo

Department of Education

Faculty of Arts & Education Benson Idahosa University

Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

E-mail: drjaosaigbovo@yahoo.com, drjaosaigbovo@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Primary education is very important in Nigerian education system. Since, independence in 1960, the federal, state and local governments have played significant role in the management and administration of primary education level in Nigeria. The introductions of Universal Primary Education (UPE) Scheme (1976) by the then regional governments and the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in 1999 by the federal government in the country have helped to diversified primary education. The management of primary education in Nigeria has been moving from one body to another. However, the reintroduction of the National Primary Education Commission (NPEC) through decree No. 96 of 1993, along with the structure of State Primary Education Board (SPEB) and Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), make these bodies responsible for the management and fund allocation in the primary level. The paper focused on management of diversification of Nigerian education and its implications for primary education level in Nigeria. It was recommended that there should be regular training and retraining of staff to ensure availability of capable human resources to manage the diversification of primary education level in Nigeria.