Research Problem: Nigeria intends to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) target by 2030,yet it faces ongoing structural and human-related hurdles that jeopardise its journey toward inclusive and quality education. Despite having policies in place, the nation has not sufficiently addressed the systemic barriers that could stand in the way of achieving this target. This paperexaminedthe challengesfacing Nigeria’s education sector andthe attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 target by 2030. Methods/theory: The authors relied solely on secondary sources of data, and the data gathered were analysed using content analysis. The paper was guided by Talcott Parsons’ social system theory developed in 1951. Results: Findings revealed that Nigeria’s achievement of SDG 4 is hindered by a combination of endemic problems, including insecurity, corruption, inadequate funding, inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified and willing teachers, poverty and curriculum obsolescence. Conclusion: The study ultimately concludes that unless we confront these structural and human-related challenges with coordinated institutional reforms, Nigeria is unlikely to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 by 2030.. Key Contribution to Knowledge: This paper adds to the existing body of research by offering a comprehensive systems-based analysis of the educational challenges facing Nigeria. By framing the issue through the lens of Social System Theory, it reveals that the barriers to achieving SDG 4 are not just isolated problems within specific sectors; rather, they are interconnected institutional failures that call for a more holistic approach to intervention. Recommendation: The paper recommended, among others, that the government needs to develop a clear and coordinated plan to reform the education sector. This plan should focus on increasing funding for schools, provision of adequate security, upgrading school infrastructure, updating curriculum, employing qualified and willing teachers, as well as enhancing accountability systems.
Daniel et al. (Thu,) studied this question.