Administrative Challenges of Universal Basic Education Implementation in Adamawa State

This study examines the administrative challenges confronting the implementation of Universal Basic Education in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. Since its statutory re-establishment in 2004, the Universal Basic Education programme has sought to provide free and compulsory basic education for all Nigerian children. However, implementation challenges related to funding, personnel deployment, community cooperation, and monitoring have undermined programme effectiveness in many states, including Adamawa. The study uses a descriptive survey design and samples 320 education officers, school administrators, and teachers from 40 basic schools across four local government areas. A structured questionnaire and interview guide are employed for data collection, and analysis is done using mean ratings and qualitative thematic coding. The study is grounded in the Policy Implementation Framework of Mazmanian and Sabatier. Results show that delayed counterpart funding from the state government, inadequate supervisory personnel, and poor data management systems are the most significant administrative impediments. Schools in rural Adamawa face compound challenges related to insecurity and difficult terrain. The study recommends the strengthening of the State Universal Basic Education Board's monitoring and evaluation capacity and the prioritisation of community-based school management approaches in conflict-affected areas. Keywords: Universal Basic Education, policy implementation, basic schools, administrative challenges, Adamawa State.