Educational Planning and Administration Dynamics during Economic Decline in Bauchi State: A Comprehensive Analysis of Political Impact

Abstract

The paper aims to examine the impact of the politics of planning and administration of education in an era of economic decline. The study employs a qualitative research design using the case study method, with three specific objectives and three research questions guiding the research. The study's population comprises 37 senior educational administrators from all tertiary institutions in the three geo-political zones of Bauchi State. A purposive sampling technique is utilized to select a sample of six participants. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews, observation, and document analysis. Content and thematic analyses are applied to the collected data to address the research questions. The study's results are extensively discussed, drawing insights from interviews and triangulating them with observations and document findings. Based on the findings, the study concludes that politics can either positively or negatively impact educational planning and administration. Recommendations include emphasizing that the politics of planning and administration of education should consider the rationale and economic considerations for educational development. It is suggested that such political processes should be geared towards enhancing educational development. However, the challenging economic conditions in Nigeria have hampered the effective planning and administration of educational policies and management. This has adversely affected aspects such as enrollments, federal character policies, education control, curriculum development and implementation, school facilities, and the recruitment and management of teaching and non-teaching personnel, among other factors.