Overview

The Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004 is a Nigerian federal law enacted on May 26, 2004, by the National Assembly. Its primary purpose is to establish a legal framework for compulsory, free universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age in Nigeria. The Act defines the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments, parents, and educational authorities. Part I outlines the right of every child to free and compulsory basic education, the duty of parents to ensure their child's attendance and completion of primary and junior secondary education, and penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment for repeated offenses. It also exempts children and parents resident outside Nigeria from these provisions. Part II establishes the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), detailing its membership, tenure of office, and functions, which include policy formulation, coordination, and monitoring of basic education. Part III addresses financing of universal basic education, stipulating a fund contributed by the federal government, states, local governments, and other sources. Part IV provides for the creation of State Universal Basic Education Boards and Local Government Education Authorities to implement the Act at subnational levels, and repeals the previous Universal Primary Education Act (Cap. 271 LFN 1990) with transitional provisions. Key entities include the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governments, Local Governments, the Universal Basic Education Commission, parents, and children. Dates mentioned are the enactment date (26th May, 2004) and the commencement date (26th May, 2004). The document type is a policy act, specifically a statutory law. The language is English.

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