Explain the reasons behind the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme.

The introduction of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program in Nigeria was driven by several important reasons, primarily based on the recommendations of the Ashby report:

1. Economic Development: The Ashby report recognized that for Nigeria to achieve economic development, it was essential to have a well-educated population. Education was seen as a key factor in driving economic progress.
2. Universal Basic Education: The primary objective of UPE was to provide basic education to every child in Nigeria. This was crucial in ensuring that no child was left without the opportunity to receive at least an elementary education.
3. Manpower Development: The report emphasized the importance of strengthening the country’s manpower, especially at the primary and lower secondary school levels. This meant focusing on providing quality education at these levels to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
4. Equal Access: UPE aimed to ensure equal access to education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. It aimed to eliminate disparities in educational opportunities and provide a level playing field for everyone.
5. Reducing Illiteracy: Nigeria had a significant issue with illiteracy, especially in rural areas. UPE was seen as a means to combat illiteracy by making education accessible to a broader segment of the population
6. Economic and Social Equity: The program aimed to address social and economic inequalities by providing education to marginalized and underprivileged communities. It was a step towards promoting equity in society.
7. Workforce for Development: To achieve economic development, Nigeria needed a skilled and educated workforce. UPE was viewed as a way to ensure that a larger portion of the population had the basic skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the country’s growth.

The introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme was based on

the Ashby recommendations. The Ashby report maintained that economic

development in Nigeria would not be possible without universal basic education

And the best way to actualize this development was to strengthen the manpower at

the intermediate level-the primary and lower forms of secondary schools.

In summary, the introduction of the UPE program in Nigeria was driven by the need for economic development, the desire to provide universal basic education, and the recognition that strengthening the education system, particularly at the primary and lower secondary levels, was essential for achieving these goals.

Evaluation

1. The UPE program in Nigeria was introduced based on the _______ recommendations.
a) Johnson
b) Ashby
c) Smith

2. The Ashby report emphasized that economic development in Nigeria needed _______ basic education.
a) Limited
b) Universal
c) Specialized

3. The primary objective of UPE was to provide _______ education to every child in Nigeria.
a) Advanced
b) Basic
c) Tertiary

4. The Ashby report suggested that strengthening manpower at the _______ level was crucial for development.
a) Elementary
b) Intermediate
c) Advanced

5. UPE aimed to ensure equal _______ to education for all children.
a) Access
b) Distance
c) Barrier

6. The introduction of UPE was seen as a means to combat _______.
a) Illiteracy
b) Unemployment
c) Poverty

7. The program aimed to eliminate disparities in _______ opportunities.
a) Sports
b) Educational
c) Recreational

8. UPE was designed to promote _______ by providing education to marginalized communities.
a) Inequality
b) Equity
c) Discrimination

9. The Ashby report recognized that economic _______ was closely linked to education.
a) Stability
b) Development
c) Regression

10. The UPE program was intended to make education _______ to all children.
a) Selective
b) Limited
c) Accessible

11. The Ashby report emphasized the importance of a well-educated _______ for economic progress.
a) Government
b) Population
c) Military

12. UPE aimed to provide education regardless of _______ background.
a) Socio-economic
b) Racial
c) Geographic

13. The program focused on strengthening education at the _______ and lower secondary levels.
a) Tertiary
b) Primary
c) University

14. The introduction of UPE was a step towards reducing _______ in society.
a) Wealth
b) Illiteracy
c) Technology

15. According to the Ashby report, universal basic education was essential for achieving _______ development in Nigeria.
a) Cultural
b) Economic
c) Environmental

• Discuss four (4) problems in Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria.
• Explain the developmental trends in provision of Primary Education in Nigeria.
• Manpower strengthening in education