Abstract
The study investigated the challenges of public primary education in Edo State, focusing on selected schools in Ikpoba Okha LGA, Benin city. Through the exploration of 100 students and 50 teachers, the research aimed to identify the challenges affecting public primary education and their impact on the teaching and learning process, as well as strategies for improvement discussed in the literature review. Data collection involved administering questionnaires to students and teachers, with analysis conducted using mean and standard deviation tables. The findings revealed significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, a shortage of qualified teachers, limited access to educational resources, and poor policy implementation, all of which directly impede the effectiveness and quality of education.
In conclusion, the study highlights the pressing need to address the identified challenges in public primary education, emphasizing the importance of investments in infrastructure, financial resources, teacher training, and policy reform. The consensus among respondents underscores the urgency of interventions to improve educational outcomes, with recommendations including prioritizing investments in school facilities and resources, ensuring adequate financial support, implementing training programs for teachers, and revising policies to promote innovative teaching methods, technology integration, comprehensive assessment practices, and smaller class sizes.
