Abstract:
The paper examined the impact of decentralization and privatization on the quality of education in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with specific reference to Nigeria. The authors traced the antecedents of the evolution of educational policies in SSA, particularly in Nigeria. Decentralization and privatization as practiced by some countries in the sub-region were highlighted showing how they interplay with socio-economic and political scenarios, and the resultant impact on provision of quality of education. The authors remarked that these policies produced positive effects such as improved workers’ welfare, community participation and widening access to education. On the other hand, unapproved and unregistered schools, while providing wider access to education for children in SSA do mortgage the quality and standard of education. The authors concluded that a sector-wide approach to resource mobilization and management in the education system, accountability in the areas of leadership, bureaucracies and best work practices would ensure quality control in the education sector of the SSA countries.