ABSTRACT
This research on the evaluation the challenges of universal basic education programme in Niger state had the following as objectives; to examine teacher factor challenges, social - factor challenges, population explosion factor challenges, gender factor challenges and environment factor challenges. Research questions and hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives. Related literature in the area of study was reviewed in chapter two, specifically an over view of the UBE Programme was done alongside with the opinions and findings of scholars and researchers in order to provide a base for the research. Survey research design was used for the study since the research was an opinion sampling. The study population were Directors of Education, principals of junior secondary schools, head teachers, teachers and education secretaries of all the Local Governments in Niger state. The total number of the population was thirty one thousand eight hundred and forty four. Seven hundred and forty five respondents were sampled for the study A self developed questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was design with five Likert scale opinion sampling. The instrument was validated, reliability tested through pilot test and found valid of data collection. The data was collected through the use of research assistants. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical tool was used to analyze the stated hypotheses. The findings of the research revealed that teachers salary were poor and not paid as at when due, there was high level of parental ill understanding of UBE programme, population explosion affected UBE quality delivery and there was acute shortage of facilities in schools. Furthermore, lopsided staff distribution in favour of the urban centers, loss of man hour input as dictated by the large number of female teachers' posed serious challenges to UBE proramme in some localities. It was therefore recommended that teachers' salaries and other entitlements be paid without delay, constant training and capacity building clinics be organized to boost the morale of teachers. Mass mobilization should be intensified in order to involve more stakeholders into the mainstream of education.