Keywords
Policy Implementation
Governance
Funding
Nigeria
Teacher Education
Mandate Execution
Article Number
028Abstract
This paper critically examines the policy, governance, and funding challenges confronting the implementation of mandates in Colleges of Education (COEs) in Nigeria. Drawing on secondary data from policy documents, scholarly literature, and reports from governmental and international agencies, the study adopts a qualitative analytical approach to investigate the systemic barriers that hinder the effective execution of statutory mandates assigned to these institutions. The findings reveal that inadequate funding, weak institutional governance, bureaucratic inefficiencies, political interference, and poor policy coordination constitute the primary obstacles to mandate implementation. The paper argues that while successive governments have formulated laudable educational policies, the persistent gap between policy formulation and practical implementation remains a critical challenge. Recommendations include increased budgetary allocation, strengthened institutional autonomy, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and the establishment of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure accountability in mandate execution.References
Afuwape, M. O., & Adeyi, F. O. (2019). Impact Assessment of Perceived Curriculum Factors on Nigerian Students’ Behaviour in Basic Science and Technology. Journal of Education in Black Sea Region, 5(1), 92-97.
Akinbi, Y. A. (2022). Implementation and Completion Rate of Universal Basic Education in Kogi, Lagos and Sokoto States of Nigeria (2004–2018) (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Akinbi, Y. A. (2026). Evolution of Educational Policies in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Reforms Since Independence (1960-2025). Ilmu Pendidikan: Jurnal Kajian Teori dan Praktik Kependidikan, 11(3), 132-137. https://doi.org/10.17977/um027v11i32026p132-137
Angwaomaodoko, E. A. (2023). A Comparative Study of Education Systems in Nigeria and Other Developing Countries. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 12(11), 69-78.
Ayoko, V. (2024). Critical Issues Impeding the Smooth Administration of Schools in Nigeria and the Way Forward. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 19, 93-104.
Balogun, T. A. (1988). The Role of Teachers in National Development. In Perspectives on Teacher Education in Nigeria (pp. 15-28). Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books.
Centre for International Cooperation in Education (CICE), Hiroshima University. (2014). Education Reforms, Innovations and the Challenges for Higher Education in Nigeria. Journal of International Cooperation in Education, 4(1), 81-95.
Dode, R. O. (2022). E-Governance in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. RUDN Journal of Public Administration, 9(3), 78-92.
Ekaette, S. O., Owan, V. J., & Agbo, D. I. (2019). External Debts and the Financing of Education in Nigeria from 1988–2018: Implication for Effective Educational Management. Social Science Research Network. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3457810
Federal Ministry of Education. (2007). Tertiary Education Consolidation Plan. Abuja: Federal Ministry of Education.
Federal Ministry of Education. (2013). National Policy on Education (6th ed.). Abuja: NERDC Press.
Federal Ministry of Education. (2023). Annual Report on School Infrastructure and Academic Performance. Abuja: Federal Ministry of Education.
Federal Republic of Nigeria. (1977). National Policy on Education. Lagos: Federal Government Press.
Federal Republic of Nigeria. (1989). National Commission for Colleges of Education Act (Act No. 13). Abuja: Federal Government Press.
Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2004). Universal Basic Education Act (Act No. 6). Abuja: Federal Government Press.
Holm-Nielsen, L., & Eisemon, T. O. (1995). Reforming Higher Education System: Some Lessons to Guide Policy Implementation. International Journal of Educational Development, 15(3), 217-228.
Imo, E., Egbe, O., & Terfa, S. (2024). Reimagining Tertiary Education: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions. Global Journal of Educational Research, 23, 127-135.
John, M. O., & Aliyu, U. (2024). The Effect of Educational Policy on School Administration and Student Achievement in Nigeria. IRE Journals, 8(6), 2456-8880.
National Universities Commission (NUC). (2023). Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards for Undergraduate Programs in Nigerian Universities. Abuja: NUC.
Nwogu, I. (2015). Barriers to Equality of Access to Educational Opportunity in Nigeria: A Philosophical Perspective. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(4), 148-155.
Obanya, P. (2019). Revitalizing Education in Nigeria. Ibadan: Evans Brothers Publishers.
Odia, L. O., & Omofonmwan, S. I. (2007). Educational System in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects. Journal of Social Sciences, 14, 81-86.
Odukoya, J. A. (2020). Educational Policy Implementation in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. African Journal of Education and Development, 12(2), 45-58.
Ogunode, N. J. (2023). Impact of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) on Tertiary Education Development in Nigeria. American Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies, 1(5), 2993-2157.
Ogunode, N. J., & Adah, S. (2020). Educational Policy in Nigeria: Challenges of Implementation and Ways Forward. Middle European Scientific Bulletin, 4, 1-8.
Ogunode, N. J., Akinyode, F., & Ayoko, V. (2023). Education Policy Instability in Nigeria and Implications for Educational Development. Web of Synergy: International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 2(1), 1-11.
Okon, E. E. (2014). Universal Basic Education in Nigeria: Progress and Challenges. Journal of Education and Practice, 5(24), 112-118.
Okwuokei, J. (2023). Regulation of Educational Opportunities in Nigeria: Giant Leaps and Grave Lapses. Lagos State University Journal of Research and Education, 15(2), 15-35.
Omeire, C. O., & Omerie, C. O. (2022). Corruption and E-Governance Implementation in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 12(3), 478-492.
Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. (1978). The External Control of Organizations: A Resource Dependence Perspective. New York: Harper & Row.
Pressman, J. L., & Wildavsky, A. (1973). Implementation: How Great Expectations in Washington Are Dashed in Oakland. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Shenkoya, A. (2023). Cybersecurity Risks in Digital Governance: The Nigerian Experience. Journal of Information Security, 14(2), 156-170.
UNESCO. (2005). Education for All Global Monitoring Report. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
UNESCO. (2021). Education Finance Watch 2021. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). (2021). Annual Report on Basic Education in Nigeria. Abuja: UBEC.
Yusuf, H. O. (2009). Universal Primary Education in Nigeria: A Historical Perspective. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 4(1), 78-89.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ja'afar Muazu, Abdulkadir Bello, Lablatu Mukhtar kurawa, Ibrahim Hamza, Khalifa Mukhtar Usman, Yusuf Sarki Musa, Sabi'u Auwalu Kibiya, Binta L.Y, Halima L, Hadiza Z.M (Author)