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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Impact of policy decisions on the effectiveness of free education in public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors
Ndidi Gloria Onyilibe, Uju Theresa Onyeanisi, Ndidiamaka Jacinta Okeke-James
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of policy decisions on the effectiveness
of free education in public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. The
free education policy, rooted in national frameworks such as the Universal
Basic Education Act and the National Policy on Education, aims to eliminate
financial barriers and ensure equitable access to quality education. Despite
government commitment, including recent expansions of free education coverage
by the Anambra State Government, implementation gaps persist, raising concerns
about the role of decision-making processes at the school level. This study
specifically examined the extent of principals’ involvement and data
verification practices in the implementation of the free education policy. A
descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 258
principals of public secondary schools across six education zones in Anambra
State. A sample of 158 principals from Awka, Aguata, and Nnewi education zones
was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured
questionnaire titled “Impact of Policy Decisions on the Effectiveness of
Free Education Questionnaire (IPDEFEQ)”, structured on a four-point rating scale.
The instrument was validated by experts in Educational Management and
Measurement and Evaluation, and reliability was established using Cronbach’s
Alpha, yielding high reliability coefficients (0.967 for both clusters). Out of
158 distributed questionnaires, 138 were duly completed and analyzed,
representing an 87% return rate. Mean and standard deviation were used to
answer the research questions, with 2.50 as the benchmark for high extent. Findings
revealed that principals’ participation in the implementation of the free
education policy was to a high extent (grand mean = 3.04), indicating active
involvement in interpreting policy objectives, communicating guidelines,
collaborating with stakeholders, and fostering teamwork. Similarly, data
verification was found to influence policy implementation to a high extent
(grand mean = 3.11), demonstrating that accurate enrollment records, attendance
data, and funding reports enhance effective planning, equitable resource
allocation, and accountability. The pooled standard deviations indicated
homogeneity in respondents’ views. The study concluded that effective policy
decisions, particularly principals’ active involvement and systematic data
verification, significantly enhance the implementation of free education in
public secondary schools in Anambra State. It recommended institutionalizing
participatory decision-making processes and strengthening data management
systems, including digitalized Education Management Information Systems (EMIS),
to sustain the gains of free education and improve educational outcomes.
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Pages:18-24
How to cite this article:
Ndidi Gloria Onyilibe, Uju Theresa Onyeanisi, Ndidiamaka Jacinta Okeke-James "Impact of policy decisions on the effectiveness of free education in public secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria". International Journal of Advanced Education and Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 18-24
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