FUNDING AND GOVERNMENT POLICY AS FACTORS INFLUENCING THE STUDENT TURNOUT RATE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the influence of funding and government policies on student turnout rates in public secondary schools in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s persistent underfunding of educationfalling below UNESCO’s recommended 26% budgetary allocationthe research investigates how financial constraints and policy instability exacerbate challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and high dropout rates.

Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 86 teachers, administrators, and principals across three public secondary schools. The analysis employed Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression models to test hypotheses on the relationship between funding, government policies, and student turnout.

 Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between adequate funding and improved student turnout (β = 0.59, p < 0.05), attributed to enhanced infrastructure, teacher quality, and resource availability. Conversely, government policy alone showed no statistically significant impact (p > 0.05), though its combination with funding emerged as a critical factor.

The study concluded that while funding directly drives educational outcomes, sustainable improvements require stable, well-funded policies aligned with long-term goals. Recommendations include increasing education budgets to 15–20% of Nigeria’s national allocation, fostering private-sector partnerships, and institutionalizing robust monitoring frameworks to ensure policy continuity.