Challenges of Policy Implementation in Monitoring and Evaluation of Teaching and Learning in Nigerian Primary Schools
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47453/eduvis.v10i2.3617Keywords:
Primary Education, Policy Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation, Quality Assurance, Teaching and LearningAbstract
The quest for quality assurance in Nigerian primary education has intensified due to the critical role education plays in national development and global competitiveness. Effective teaching and learning depend largely on continuous assessment, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that pupils acquire the intended knowledge and skills. However, despite policy provisions, the implementation of these practices in Nigerian primary schools faces numerous challenges that undermine educational outcomes. The research examines the relevance of assessment, monitoring, and evaluation in teaching and learning at the primary school level and identifies the key challenges hindering their effective policy implementation. A conventional literature review approach was adopted, drawing on 25 peer-reviewed articles purposively selected from databases including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia, and PubMed. The studies were screened for relevance, methodological rigour, and alignment with the research focus. Data were synthesised thematically using social constructivism and project execution theory as guiding frameworks. Findings revealed that continuous assessment, monitoring, and evaluation are essential for enhancing teacher effectiveness, learner achievement, accountability, and transparency in primary education. Nonetheless, their implementation is impeded by challenges such as inadequate teacher training, poor funding, weak record management, negative teacher attitudes, a shortage of qualified evaluators, and a lack of a standardised monitoring framework. It was concluded that addressing these barriers through periodic teacher training, improved funding, professionalisation of monitoring roles, and establishment of logical frameworks can strengthen compliance with policy goals. This contributes to ensuring sustainable quality assurance practices and improved learning outcomes in Nigerian primary schools.
Downloads
References
Adeyemo, F. M. (2023). Evaluation of the implementation of English Studies curriculum in primary schools in Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Benin, Benin City.
Aduloju, M. O., Adikwu, O., & Agi, C. I. (2016). School-based assessment: Implications for national development. Open Access Library Journal, 3(3), 1-8. http://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1102392.
Ajayi, I. A. (2011). Enhancing quality education in Nigeria. In J. K. Adeyemi & B. Awe (Eds). Rebranding Nigerian educational system. National Open University of Nigeria
Ajibade, I. & Ajibade A. O. (2020). Influence of monitoring and evaluation on students' academic performance as relates to education trend in Ondo State. International Journal of Education and Evaluation, 6 (2), 18-35.
Alayafi, E. G., & Gunduz, P. (2017). An essential tool for continuous assessment: The learning portfolio. Revisiting EFL Assessment: Critical Perspectives, 237-259. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32601-6_ _15
Chukwu, C. L., Mezieobi D. 1., Uguwanyi, B. E &Okpoebo, C. C (2019). Monitoring and Evaluation on Effective Delivery of Social Studies for Improved Academic Performance. Review of European Studies; 11 (1), https://doi.org/10.5539/res.v11n1p175.
Federal Republic of Nigeria (2013). National policy on education. NERDC Press.
Fehintola, J. O. & Fehintola, M. O. (2021). Assessment of challenges facing the functional Basic Education programme in Oyo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Education Research 9(2), 16-26.
Ikenyiri, E., Ordua, V. N., & Ezechukwu, I. R. (2022). Evaluation Of Teachers’ Assessment Practices in the Three Domains of Learning in Public Primary Schools In Owerri Education Zone, Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Guidance, 6(1), 24-36.
Ikoro I. S. &. Eleri N. O. (2017). Evaluation of learning outcomes of primary school pupils in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, 5 (5), 1-9.
Imasuen, K. & Iyamu, I. F. (2021). School-based assessment: a case study of selected public junior secondary schools. British Journal of Education, 9 (11), 32-42.
Kellaghan, T.,& Greaney, V. (2019). Public Examinations Examined. Washington. World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10 986/32352. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/32352
Kurebwa, M., & Nyaruwata, L. T. (2013). Assessment Challenges in the Primary Schools: A Case of Gweru Urban Schools. Greener Journal of Educational Research, 3(7), 336-344.
Manan, S., & Hajar, A. (2025). The macro (structure) and micro (agency) dialectic in Multilingual Education Policy and Planning contexts. In Agency in Multilingual Education Policy and Planning in Asia. Routledge.
Meng, S. (2023). Enhancing teaching and learning: Aligning instructional practices with education quality standards. Research and Advances in Education, 2(7), 17-31.
Mohan, R. (2023). Measurement, evaluation and assessment in education. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd..
Müller, B. (2016). Policy gaps: future challenges for research. Building research & information, 44(3), 338-341.
Ndungu, B. W., Allan, G., & Emily, B. J. (2015). Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation by Principals on Effective Teaching and Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Githunguri District. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(9), 10-17.
Nwokeocha, S. (2017). Assessment of teaching and learning in Nigeria: Some methodological issues. African Educational Research Journal, 5(2), 135-147.
Odinko, M. N. (2014). Evaluation Research. Theory and Practice. Giraffe Books.
Ogunode, N. J, Adah, S., Audu, E., & Wama, P. (2020). Staff Development Programme for Primary Education Teachers in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward. International Journal of Marketing & Human Resource Research, 1 (1), 52-63.
Okafor, R. N., Obona, E. E., Ngene, A. N., & Eji, E. E. (2024). School supervision and inspection: Enhancing educational quality, accountability, and student social welfare in Nigerian secondary schools. Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies, 18(3).
Okebukola, P. A. (2019). The Place and State of Education in Nigeria’s Development: Imperative and urgency of reform. Keynote address presented at the International Colloquium to mark the 80th birthday of Professor Olu Aina.
Okeke, R. C., & Chukwudebelu, C. B. (2024). Educational policy and national development in Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Evaluation, 10(4), 268-274.
Oloruntoyin, S. T. (2011). Quality assurance in rural primary schools in Nigeria. Journal of Research d Education and Sociology, 2(3), 122-132.
Opoh, F. A., Okou, F. T., &Ubung, J. A. (2014). Improving the standard and quality of primary education in Nigeria for national development. International Journal of Research and Reviews in Education, 1(1), 1-6.
Osiesi, M. P. (2023). Assessment, evaluation and monitoring of teaching and learning in Nigerian primary schools: Challenges and implications for teachers. Utamax: Journal of Ultimate Research and Trends in Education, 5(1), 70-81.
Osiesi, M.P. (2020). The import of professional development programmes for primary school teachers in Nigeria. International Journal on Integrated Education, 3(10), 48-55. https://doi.org/10.31149/ijie.v310.677.
Osiesi, M.P., Odinko, M.N., & Oke, C. C. (2022). Funding Education in the Post-COVID-19 Era: the case for the Nigerian Primary Schools. International Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 6 (2), 1-6.
Raina, J. (2020). Policy shifts in school education: Where do we stand? The JMC Review, 4, 154-180.
Tovani, C. (2023). So what do they really know: Assessment that informs teaching and learning. Routledge.
UNESCO (2016). Designing effective monitoring and evaluation of education systems for 2030: A global synthesis of policies and practices. United Nations Evaluation Group.
van Lankveld, T., Thampy, H., Cantillon, P., Horsburgh, J., & Kluijtmans, M. (2021). Supporting a teacher identity in health professions education: AMEE Guide No. 132. Medical teacher, 43(2), 124-136.
Additional Files
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Authors
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
