Title: Quality higher education for improved knowledge essential for national and regional development

Authors: Nwachukwu Prince Ololube; Samuel Amaele; Peter James Kpolovie; Lawretta Adaobi Onyekwere; Gabriel Ekweme Elechi

Addresses: Department of Educational Foundations and Management, University of Education, P.M.B. 5047 Port Harcourt, Nigeria. ' Department of Educational Foundations and Management, University of Education, P.M.B. 5047 Port Harcourt, Nigeria. ' Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. ' Rivers State School of Nursing, P.M.B. 5056, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. ' Department of Educational Foundations and Management, University of Education, P.M.B. 5047 Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: General approaches to quality education, essential for national and regional development, are undergoing major global changes. In 2000, the United Nations solemnly reaffirmed the international development goals and as a result, the priority attached to a concerted fight for quality education has taken on a new dimension. This paper assesses the extent to which the Nigerian Government has made determined efforts to ensuring that quality education agendas are met. The study employs a quantitative approach to data collection and analysis. The results reveal that Nigeria is doing very little when it comes to achieving quality education towards meeting the millennium development goals (MDGs). Recommendations are proffered. This academic work is addressed to the Nigerian Government, National University Commission, Ministry of Education, education planners, researchers and development practitioners.

Keywords: educational quality; higher education; knowledge improvement; standards; national development; regional development; universities; Nigeria; millennium development goals; MDGs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2012.047109

International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 2012 Vol.3 No.2, pp.179 - 204

Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

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