Official Development Assistance and the Third World’s Debt Crisis: Implication for Nigeria Educational Development, 1980–2015

Abstract

There had been calls over the years for Official Development Assistance to developing countries of the world, particularly to countries in sub-Saharan Africa. These calls hinge on the belief that the fund will resuscitate the ailing economy of the recipient countries. After channelling resources to the developing countries after almost half a century, it would appear that little development has taken place. This study, however, examined the impact of Official Development Assistance on Nigeria’s educational development during the period under review. Primary and secondary sources were put to use while thematic historical analytical approach was adopted in the interpretation and analysis of data. The study found a negative relationship between Official Development Assistance and educational development in Nigeria. In view of this, the paper recommends the reviewing or repudiation of those economic-suffocating conditionalities attached to Official Development Assistance that tend to aggravate the socio-economic conditions of recipient countries as well as the implementation of policy measures that would ensure effective and maximum utilization of Official Development Assistance.

Keywords

• Official Development Assistance
• third world
• debt
• Educational Development
• Nigeria