Veritatis Gaudium: Multidisciplinary Journal of Postgraduate Studies

Education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. This article critically examines the legal and policy frameworks governing education in Nigeria, drawing on constitutional provisions, statutes, policy documents, regional human rights instruments, and international treaties. It evaluates the extent to which these instruments guarantee equitable access to quality education and identifies the principal barriers to effective implementation. The study finds that Nigeria possesses a comprehensive normative framework, but educational outcomes remain constrained by weak implementation, inadequate financing, insecurity, institutional fragmentation, and limited accountability rather than legislative deficiencies. It argues that meaningful reform requires constitutional recognition of the right to education as an enforceable right, improved educational financing, stronger institutional coordination, transparent governance, enhanced judicial protection, and sustained political commitment. Implementing these measures would strengthen compliance with domestic and international obligations and advance inclusive, equitable, and quality education consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 4. The study adopts a qualitative documentary research design based on the systematic analysis of relevant legal and policy documents.

Open Full Text (PDF)