CHALLENGES AND ACCESS TO UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR COUNSELLING

Abstract

The nation's progress in universal basic education is seriously hampered by access to it. The efficacy of the government's numerous measures to achieve the goals has been diminished despite high students’ student enrollment and retention rates. By examining the problems plaguing the program, this article sought to shed light on the startling figures of out-of-school children (OSC) in Nigeria in particular the area studied and to offer solutions for reevaluating access to basic education. A total of 120 instructors from nine schools—six primary and three junior secondary Schools in rural Bwari Area Council regions made up the sample for the study. Five research questions served as the study's compass, and a descriptive survey research design was used. Data on the difficulties in obtaining admission to the UBE system were gathered using a questionnaire designed by researchers with twenty items. The gathered data were examined using averages, percentages, and frequency counts. According to the results, the socioeconomic aspects returned the highest challenge, with a mean rating of 3.38. Counseling was used as a service technique that might offer cooperative methods for advancing educational ideals in the community and a shift in Challenges and Access to Universal Basic Education in Nigeria: Implication for Counselling 131 focus toward inclusive educational opportunities. In addition to other suggestions, the government ought to guarantee that the program receives sufficient funding and that the policy instructions and policies outlined in the UBE, Act 2004 are followed.