Impact of State-Local Government Fiscal Relations on Primary Education Services in Abia State (1999-2014)

Abstract

This study examined the fiscal relationship between the Abia State Government and the local government councils existing within its jurisdiction. The aim was to establish whether the inability of local government councils in Abia State to provide effective primary education is associated with the structure of state-local government fiscal relations. The study adopted the coordinate authority model of intergovernmental relations in explaining the nature of relationship between the Abia State government and its local councils.  A descriptive survey research design was used to acquire primary data through questionnaire, interviews, personal observation and focus group discussions. Secondary data was generated from published works and organizational annals. Data was analyzed using simple percentage, frequency tables and chi-square. Findings revealed that the Abia State Government has shifted from its role to monitor the finances of local government, and have taken total control of local government funds and thus, making it hard for local governments in Abia State to carry out its role with respect to efficient primary education delivery. The study concludes that the local government was basically instituted to expand development to the grassroots.  Nevertheless, the current status of state local government relation in Abia State cannot lay the framework for and meaningful development unless the importunate issues identified in this work are tacked.