Assessment of Awareness of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act and the National Policy on Education Among Secondary School Teachers in Bayelsa State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/fnas-jmse.v7i1.1064Keywords:
Education Law, Teachers’ Awareness, Legal Literacy, Universal Basic Education Act, National Policy on EducationAbstract
Education is universally acknowledged as a key driver of societal transformation, human capital development, and national progress. It promotes intellectual growth, civic responsibility, and socio-economic advancement. In Nigeria, education is both a constitutional right and a policy instrument for achieving national development goals. For education to fulfill its transformative purpose, it must operate within a robust legal framework that ensures equity, accountability, and quality assurance. Education laws such as the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act and the National Policy on Education (NPE) provide these frameworks. However, a persistent gap exists between policy formulation and practical implementation, particularly in teachers’ awareness and application of these laws. This study examines the level of awareness and understanding of education laws among secondary school teachers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, emphasizing their role as frontline implementers of educational policies and custodians of professional ethics. Using a qualitative, document-based research design, this study analyzed legislative texts, policy frameworks, and relevant literature to assess the depth of teachers’ legal awareness and the factors influencing it. Findings indicate that low legal literacy among teachers stems from inadequate legal education in teacher training programs, irregular sensitization efforts, and limited institutional engagement with education law. Consequently, teachers often struggle to uphold key provisions of the UBE Act, including compulsory attendance, inclusive education, and ethical conduct. The study recommends integrating education law into teacher education curricula, organizing regular legal awareness workshops, and promoting collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the TRCN, and school management boards. Strengthening teachers’ legal literacy will enhance accountability, improve compliance, and promote a more equitable and effective educational system in Nigeria.
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