INSUFFCIENT FUNDS OR NEGLIGENCE OF ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT ON PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM: THE BLAMES 1991-2024

Abstract

The public school system in Abia State, Nigeria, has faced significant challenges since the state's creation in 1991. A primary issue has been the persistent paucity of funds, which has crippled the development of the education sector, impacting the quality of teaching, infrastructure, and learning outcomes. However, the question arises: is the crisis primarily due to a lack of funds, or is it a result of mismanagement, systemic neglect, and governmental inefficiency? This study seeks to interrogate the root causes of the crisis in Abia State’s public school system, exploring both the financial constraints and the role of negligence in the educational sector. Through a thorough examination of historical, political, and economic factors, this paper assesses the extent to which financial mismanagement, lack of government prioritization, and negligence have affected the development of public schools in Abia State. By focusing on the period from 1991 to 2024, the study identifies the blames for the longstanding challenges facing the state's education system and proposes strategies for addressing the root causes to foster a more effective and sustainable educational system.