Reducing poverty incidence in Nigeria: The interplay of educational attainment and effective social support

Abstract

The focus on poverty rendition as a key objective is one of the most important feature of the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) and the Millennium Development Goal-MDGs. It is the result of concern about poverty in the country and other regions of the world. Hence this paper examines the interplay of educational attainment and effective social support in reducing poverty incidence in Nigeria. Secondary data from the National Bureau of statistics and other relevant data source were obtained to answer the various research questions raised in the study. Using simple descriptive statistics, results show that; despite the petrol Dollar income for Nigeria, the country is still being rated as one of the poorest in the world as poverty incidence increase both as percentage and in absolute term. Poverty in Nigeria increased from about 18 million (28.1%) in 1980 to 67 million (65.6%) in 199ó and about 80 million (70%) in 2004 (See Muo, 2007:26). This poverty incidence cuts across all the six geopolitical Zones of the country with different degrees of intensity. However, effective and efficient education Service delivery has direct influence on National productivity, which largely determines living standards. It also supports knowledge-driven economic growth strategies and poverty reduction. The paper therefore conclude by recommending among others poverty reduction policies and programmes, which should include massive investment in education, granting the poor access to education and emphasis on empowerment through formal training, and social support that reduces poverty