ABSTRACT

Universal primary education (UPE) has engaged much attention globally since the Jomtien declaration in 1990, and many countries have launched UPE programs. For instance, in my country, Nigeria, a program was fi rst launched in 1976. Nigerians were very hopeful and confi dent that the UPE program would be successful. The populace had great confi - dence and faith in the power of education to raise the living standards of Nigeria’s people and to promote the spirit of national consciousness and pride. However, the inability of the government to focus proper attention on the initial program and to commit to it adequate resources led to the program’s demise. The program was re-launched as universal basic education (UBE) in 1999.