The Impact of Politics on Educational Policy Formulation and Implementation in Nigeria

Abstract

This position paper examined “The impact of politics on educational policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria”. The theoretical framework was drawn from the elite theory which was informed by the facts that Nigeria political landscape is characterized by elite dominance, with influential individuals and groups shaping policy decisions. This enables participants understand the power dynamics influencing educational policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria. Educational policies formulated by the government are many, but it is worthy to note that due to some constraint they remain under implemented or unimplemented as a result of elite interest, inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, inadequate man-power, etc. The paper reviewed the implementation of educational policies in Nigeria from independence, highlighting the historical backgrounds of the impact of politics on this process. It discovered that the negative impacts have impeded the implementation of these policies. The paper therefore concluded that politics and education are interwoven in Nigeria as a result of funding by government. The paper suggested that politicians should adopt fairness, accessibility and equity as the major principle in the implementation of educational policies in order to enhance the standard of education in Nigeria.