A Promise Unfulfilled. Challenges of Achieving Universal Primary Education (UPE), Access and Quality in Rural Cameroon: Case of Mundemba Subdivision, Ndian Division-South West Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jep.3732Keywords:
Challenges, Access, Education, Quality, Innovations, Universal, EnvironmentAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges confronting the achievement of universal primary education in Mundemba subdivision of Cameroons South West region.
Methodology: Four public school in Mundemba settlement and ten public schools in the hinterland were implicated in the study. Primary data for the study was obtained by use of questionnaire, observation and group discussion among actors and stakeholders in the primary education sector. Secondary data was obtained by desk review involving literature from textbooks, journals, publications and websites. Schools environment were observed while available infrastructure, and facilities for teaching and learning were also examined. Other findings were made on socioeconomic, cultural and environmental factors affecting teaching and learning in the Mundemba subdivision.
Findings: Major findings of the study implicated gross underfunding of primary school education as main cause of neglected schools environment, infrastructure, and facilities for making universal primary education a reality in the subdivision. Other factors limiting access to universal free primary education were socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental in nature. These factors must be taken to consideration in government educational policies for UPE to be made a reality in the country’s rural sector.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: According to the findings, to put UPE in practice in Mundemba subdivision, government and its agencies must create an enabling environment backed by necessary infrastructure and facilities to support its policy of achieving universal primary education in the subdivision.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Engomok Bale Hortense, Nkengue Abega Protais Brice, Ngoe Fritz Eseokwea
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