Redistribution of education and redistributive effects of education spending in Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyses the distribution of education spending and the redistributive ef- fects of education spending in Nigeria. The relevant primary and secondary data col- lected from Nigeria were analyzed using methods and tools for data analysis (descrip- tive statistics methods, concentration index analysis, and analysis based on the Rey- nold s Smolensky (RS) Index of Redistribution). This study establishes the regional, gender, and location biases in primary and secondary school enrolment and comple- tion rates in Nigeria (and the low levels of these indicators of development). However, the study indicates that all these forms of disparities in primary and secondary school- ing are contrary to the tenet of philosophy of education in Nigeria. The Reynold s Smolensky Index of Redistribution is estimated to be -0.12 what indicates that the education-financing system worsens income inequality in Nigeria. This implies that the current education financing system in Nigeria will widen the gaps in income and in access to education, with damaging consequences for equity. The study is con- cluded by recommending appropriate redistributive policy interventions for Nigeria.