Education Policy And Access To Higher Education In Edo State: A Study Of Selected Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Education Policy and access to higher education in selected tertiary institutions in Edo State with emphasis on budget allocation, teachers' training, quality assurance/accreditation and access to higher education in selected tertiary institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. Focusing specifically on Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Edo State University Iyamoh and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen as study environment. The overarching objective is to evaluate how these Education policy elements influence educational outcomes and institutional performance. Grounded in the theory of resource dependency theory, institutional theory and social capital theory. The research employs a descriptive research design, using Taro Yamane formula, the sample size of this study is 184 participants from three institutions under studied. Findings reveal that There is a significant relationship between Education Policy and access to higher Education in Edo state. (r = 0.83) and there is a significant relationship between the effectiveness of Edo Best education policy and access to higher education in Edo state (r = 0.91),.These results support the hypothesis that effective Education policy in these areas significantly enhances educational quality. Based on these findings, the study concludes that improved budget allocation, ongoing professional development for teachers, and rigorous quality assurance mechanisms are essential for advancing educational access in Edo State tertiary institutions. Recommendations include enhanced budgeting procedures, comprehensive faculty development programmes, and robust quality assurance frameworks to foster better educational outcomes.