Progressivity of education spending in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the distributional impact of education spending in Nigeria. The study made used of primary and secondary data from Nigeria. The relevant data were analyzed by using complex methods and tools (Graphical Analysis, Benefit Incidence Analysis, and Kakwani Progressivity Index Analysis). The study reveals that the rich- est group benefits more than the poorest group in public education expenditure in Ni- geria and they spend more on their children than the poor. The study also demonstrates that education spending in Nigeria is progressive in relative terms, with education spending on primary education being more progressive than for the secondary schools. However, the spending is regressive in absolute terms, meaning that the spending is not well targeted at the poor, hence is not "pro-poor". This study therefore recommends a determined "pro-poor" educational financing policy and a related new system in Nigeria.