An Analysis of Primary and Secondary School Enrolment and Inclusive Growth in Nigeria

Abstract

Education is a key driver to the growth and development process of any economy. However, the development of the education sector has been a major constraint to many developing countries including Nigeria. Over time, economic activities in Nigeria have not been appreciable inclusive and this has affected the growth and development process of the country. In response to this challenge, this paper seeks to examine the impact of primary and secondary enrolments on inclusive economic growth in Nigeria. The time series data on school enrolment spanning the period of 1980 to 2016 were captured using the OLS econometric technique. The results of the analysis revealed that primary school enrolment is positive but statistically insignificant to economic growth, whilst secondary school enrolment is both positive and statistically significant to economic growth in Nigeria. The study recommends that education should be adequately and consistently funded at all levels. There should be concerted effort of every stakeholder towards getting every child of school age into school to give them education necessary for their effective participation in economic activities to make economic growth in Nigeria inclusive.