IMPACT OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION ON SCHOOL ENROLLMENT IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AKWA IBOM STATE (2015-2025)

Education is a major investment in human capital development, and as such, the provision of quality education in Akwa Ibom State has been a matter of major concern by different administrations, which necessitated the introduction of the free and compulsory education system in Akwa Ibom State. With all the state Government efforts in boosting the educational system in the state, there are some problems, such as low enrollment rates, high dropout rates, inadequate infrastructure, low school performance, teacher quality, assessment and evaluation, cultural and social factors, policy implementation, suboptimal learning outcomes, including quality of education, and socioeconomic factors. The study examined free and compulsory education, as well as human capital development, in selected secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. The descriptive research design was used with a study population of 461,615, representing the total number of students enrolled in free and compulsory education in Akwa Ibom State. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used as a method of data analysis. From the findings of the study, it was revealed, among others, that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between free and compulsory education and students' enrollment in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings, the study recommended, amongst others, that the Akwa Ibom State Government should work hand in hand with different ministry of education in formulating policies to encourage students' enrollment