Assessment of Science Education Policy Implementation in Government Secondary Schools in Kwara State

This study assessed the implementation of Science Education policy provisions in government secondary schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. National science education policy stipulates specific standards for teacher deployment, curriculum coverage, laboratory provision, and student assessment; however, the degree to which these provisions are being operationalised at the school level in North Central Nigerian states requires empirical examination. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study covered 30 government secondary schools across Ilorin West, Offa, and Edu Local Government Areas. Data were gathered from 200 Science teachers, 30 school principals, and 30 curriculum supervisors using a Policy Implementation Compliance Checklist and semi-structured interviews. Expert validation yielded a reliability index of 0.80. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Findings indicated partial compliance with Science Education policy provisions, with curriculum coverage and teacher deployment achieving higher compliance scores than laboratory infrastructure and assessment reform provisions. Schools with proactive subject supervisors recorded significantly better compliance outcomes. Systemic barriers including inadequate follow-through by supervisory authorities and funding shortfalls were identified. Recommendations included an annual school-level policy compliance audit, strengthened supervisory capacity, and a multi-year science infrastructure development plan for the state. Keywords: policy implementation, Science education, government secondary schools, Kwara State, education governance.