Evaluation of the Achievement of the Objectives of the Universal Basic Education Programme in Delta State

Abstract

This study evaluated the achievement of the objectives of Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme in Delta State, guided by 9 research questions. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, with a population size of 407,416 students and 21,440 teachers. The sample consisted of 767 students and 740 teachers. Data was collected using a questionnaire validated by three experts in Measurement and Evaluation, and the instrument showed a satisfactory reliability coefficient. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The findings revealed that the UBE programme has made significant progress in providing access to nine years of formal basic education, with a high evaluation of this goal's achievement. However, the students rated the achievement of free education objectives as low. Additionally, the study found that a majority of students completing the nine years of formal basic education had not acquired essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and civic values. Specifically, 97.92% of the students scored below 50% on a numeracy test, indicating poor numeracy skills. Conversely, students demonstrated strong communicative, life, ethical, and moral skills. The study recommends increased investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and community outreach to ensure the program's continued success and expansion, particularly in underserved areas.