Teacher Preparation and Availability for Achieving Basic Education in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined teacher preparation and availability for achieving basic education
in Ondo State, Nigeria. As a descriptive survey, the study population comprised all
the 1154 primary and 281 junior secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria. Out of
this population, a sample of 578 primary schools and 141 junior secondary schools
was taken and selected through the stratified random sampling technique. The
instrument used to collect data for the study was an inventory while the data collected
were analyzed using percentages. The findings revealed that the level of teacher
preparation for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in Ondo State, Nigeria was
low. It was also found that teachers were not adequately available for the Universal
Basic Education programme. On the basis of the findings, it was concluded that the
Ondo State, Nigeria has not been fully prepared for the Universal Basic Education
programme. Teacher preparation has not been fully embarked upon in the State.
Considering the findings, it was recommended that the State Government should recruit
more teachers into the primary and junior secondary schools in the State to enable
the pupils achieve permanent literacy and numeracy and the ability to communicate
effectively. Teachers should also be allowed to attend seminars and in-service training
to enable them to acquire more skills and competence in their job performance.

Keywords: Teacher, Preparation, Availability, Basic Education, Nigeria

International Journal of Educational Research Vol. 3 (2) 2007 pp. 293-305