RECONCEPTUALISING NIGERIA’S NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION

Abstract

The National Policy on Education (NPE) in Nigeria constitutes the central policy architecture guiding educational development, governance, and reform. Although it is anchored on a strong philosophical vision of education for national development, persistent systemic inefficiencies suggest deep structural limitations in its design logic, implementation capacity, and responsiveness to contemporary global education dynamics. This  paper critically interrogates these limitations through three analytical lenses: policy design deficiencies, implementation constraints, and system misalignments. Drawing on contemporary policy analysis frameworks and recent empirical literature, the paper argues that the NPE is weakened by insufficient operationalisation mechanisms, fragmented governance structures, weak accountability systems, and inadequate alignment with twenty-first century skills imperatives. The paper concludes by proposing a reconceptualised policy architecture grounded in adaptive governance, performance-based financing, strengthened data ecosystems, and integrated stakeholder participation to enhance effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability.