Introduction

Education cannot mean something different because of the attachment of the objective
“free”. Good society begets good life and good society is product of education. It is not
everything that passes for education that is really education. This is why Olatunji (1995)
argued that there is a wide difference between schooling and education. Nwagwu
(1976:14-15) therefore, advised that”education must not be partial, rationed, selfishly
enjoyed or used merely to perpetuate the status quo” From the above, it is obvious to
state that "free education" entails so many things. In other Words, free education means
the removal of every constraint to sound and quality education. Free education means the
establishment of various kind of schools and expansion of school curriculum to take each'
child develop according to his or her ability, age, interest and so on. It means the
establishment and provision of library facilities, technical and vocational equipment,
recruitment and retention of qualified and adequate manpower. It means tuition free; free
feeding, free books; free accommodation, free transportation, free Uniform and other
personal Uses of the learner. Free education also means the removal of every socio-
cultural impediment to the child's education. The sum total of all these, makes education
free. The partial implementation of the above can never qualify the system as free
because the presence of any one of the above constitutes constraint to the child's access to
education

Reasons why there is no free education

1. Limited government funding: The Nigerian government might face budgetary
constraints, making it challenging to allocate sufficient funds for education. With
limited resources, providing free education to all citizens becomes a significant
challenge.
2. High population and demand: Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in
Africa, with a large number of students seeking education. The sheer size of the
population can put a strain on the education system, making it difficult to offer
free education to everyone.
 3. Infrastructural and logistical challenges: Providing free education requires
adequate infrastructure, trained teachers, and educational materials. In some
regions, especially rural areas, the lack of proper infrastructure and facilities
makes it difficult to implement free education effectively.
4. Corruption and mismanagement: Corruption and mismanagement of funds can
hinder the implementation of free education. If funds intended for education are
misused or embezzled, it can exacerbate the lack of resources available for
providing quality education.
5. Economic constraints: The economic status of a country plays a crucial role in its
ability to fund education. Nigeria, like many developing countries, faces economic
challenges that can impact its ability to offer free education.
6. Prioritization of other sectors: Sometimes, governments might prioritize other
sectors over education, diverting funds to address immediate challenges in areas
like healthcare, infrastructure, or security.
Despite the absence of a fully free education system, Nigeria has taken steps to improve
access to education and increase enrollment rates, especially at the primary level. Various
initiatives and policies have been implemented to address educational challenges and
promote education as a fundamental right. However, achieving free education for all
remains a complex task that requires significant investment, strategic planning, and
effective governance.