Access, Equity and Quality Education: The Tripod for Sustainable National Development in Nigeria

Abstract

It is a fact that education is an impeccable instrument for the 
development of the potentialities of a nation which would ultimately 
bring about national development by way of combating poverty, 
illiteracy, diseases and other social and economic problems. This paper 
thus acknowledges the imperativeness of access, equity and quality 
education towards national development. It emphasizes the tripod of 
access, equity and quality education as a catalyst for sustainable 
national development. It points out that although Nigerian governments 
have been making frantic efforts towards enhanced access, equity and 
quality education, challenges such as inadequate carrying capacity, poor 
socio-economic background, inadequate public financing, among others, 
have been major constraints. To tackle these identified challenges and 
enhance national development, it is suggested that the need for improved 
funding and equitable access to quality education should be guaranteed 
for all citizens, and transparent and effective monitoring of educational 
system should be ensured to enhance quality education among others.