Impact of the Universal Basic Education Programme on Pupil Enrollment in Lower and Middle Basic Schools in Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of the Universal Basic Education Programme on pupil enrollment in lower and middle basic schools in Kaduna State, Nigeria, adopting a descriptive survey research design. From a total population of 117,575, a purposive sample of 386 respondents was selected, and data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean scores. The findings revealed that the Universal Basic Education Programme has enhanced pupil enrolment by lowering financial barriers, improving access to learning materials and expanding school infrastructure, while compulsory education measures and community-based initiatives have contributed to reducing the number of out-of-school children. The study therefore concludes that the Universal Basic Education Programme has exerted a significant positive influence on enrollment in lower and middle basic schools in Kaduna State. To sustain and further strengthen these gains, it recommends increased and sustained government funding to support the continuous supply of free instructional materials, school feeding programmes and the maintenance of educational infrastructure. In addition, education authorities are advised to intensify community mobilization and sensitization efforts, especially in rural and underserved areas, to strengthen compliance with compulsory education policies and further reduce the incidence of out-of-school children.