Abstract

The quality of basic education in any country is one of the major keys to national development. The decline in the quality or standard of education in Nigeria is alarming, as a result of some factors which include poor governance and management, poor funding and neglect of the sector, corruption, poor infrastructure and training facilities, poor teacher welfare, lack of dedication of teachers, lack of high performances, high level of exam malpractice, improper planning, etc. This paper, therefore, attempts to critically analyze strategic planning as an essential tool to be adopted in the management of the Universal Basic Education Programme for its effective implementation in the achievement of its educational objectives. The term strategic planning is seen as an organization's process of defining its strategy or direction, and making decisions on allocating resources to pursue its strategies, capital and people. Hence, the primary target of the UBE educational policy is ensuring that every Nigerian child acquires a minimum of 9 years basic education, and to achieve this requires strategic planning. One cannot but wonder how the UBE Programme will make progress given the presence of the above mentioned impediments. The paper, therefore, looked at the concept of strategic planning, the UBE policy implications and the need,elements and planning strategies needed for effective management implementation, and concluded that the application of strategic planning in the of the UBE Programme in Nigeria will help the administrators to adjust made its resources in meeting its expectations. Finally, recommendations were should which include that government as a key player in the UBE Programme strategic be more committed to making adequate provisions of all required and administrators planning and the to achievement bring about better experiences in the learners, of UBE's vision and mission statement.