Impact of Aggregate Government Expenditure on the Performance of the Education Sector In Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impact of aggregate government expenditure on the performance of the education sector in Nigeria. This was necessitated by the incessant strikes by teachers and lecturers in schools and higher institutions in Nigeria, in spite of the seemingly increase in government budget to the education sector in the country. Two hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study. The variables for the performance of the education sector were total school enrolment (TSE) and contribution of education sector to gross domestic products (CEGDP) in Nigeria, while aggregate government expenditure to the education sector was used as the independent variable, poverty rate (POVR) was introduced as a control variable. The study adopted ex-post facto research design. The stated hypotheses were analyzed with auto regressive distributive lag method (ARDL). The theoretical framework was rooted on the Keynesian theory, with data on the variables sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin Covering a period of 43 years (1981-2023). Findings from the study revealed that aggregate government expenditure to education sector on total school enrolment in Nigeria is not significant and aggregate government expenditures to education sector on the contribution of education to gross domestic product in Nigeria are positive and insignificant. It was recommended that Government of Nigeria should increase her expenditures to the education sector as this would assist in the provision of basic educational equipment needed for learning and also facilitate quick development in the education sector. It will also reduce the incessant strikes experienced by the sector and enhance Total School Enrolment in Nigeria