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Purpose This study aims to obtain stakeholder perceptions of secondary education quality in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was used by conducting interviews. Data were purposively collected from a sample of 15 education stakeholders in Sokoto State, and analyzed to extract major themes using the NVivo software program. Findings The results of the interviews suggested that high-quality education is defined by the following seven dimensions that fell under a systems-based framework: the provision of adequate instructional materials, the provision of educational infrastructure, imparting the “right” knowledge, meeting education “yardsticks”, provision of teacher support and welfare, creating a conducive learning atmosphere and availability of high-quality teachers. Research limitations/implications The research is confined to the Sokoto State only. Although the findings may be applicable to other states of the Nigerian federation, the qualitative research design limits generalization beyond the present data. The research has methodological limitations in that only a qualitative approach was used in obtaining and analyzing the data. Practical implications This study presents dimensions of, and a definition of, secondary education quality, as perceived by education stakeholders in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This systems-based definition could be useful to the government in re-designing its educational plans and ensuring quality in secondary education programs. Once fully applied in the educational system, issues of low-quality education and graduation of unprepared students can be addressed more systematically. The goal of admitting more competent school leavers into tertiary institutions could also be pursued actively. Other social challenges, such as juvenile delinquency, can likewise be addressed. The study draws attention of those responsible for education provision in Nigeria to look inward to focus on those dimensions that need prompt and urgent improvements so that education quality can be ensured for a better society. Originality/value This study provides a systems-based framework of educational quality to guide school improvement efforts in Nigerian secondary schools that reflect values of regional stakeholders. This study demonstrates an easy-to-apply method for deriving educational quality indicators with stakeholder involvement. The dimensions obtained are supported by theory and the literature discussed.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relevance of stakeholders in education policy implementation. This become necessary for the fact that despite efforts of most countries in contemporary world of not only trying to ensure that quality education is received, but of making education accessible to all, the aim has not been adequately achieved due to ineffective implementation of the education policies and lack of relevant stakeholder's involvement as the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of education provision. Using qualitative research approach, 15 respondents were purposively interviewed and the result analyzed using Nvivo software. The findings indicated that education stakeholders have significant role to play in policy implementation which is categorized into two themes (i.e. total commitment and supporting the school system). It is therefore, recommended that stakeholders should be allowed full participation in education provision; ISSN 2377-3294 2017 2 government should as well provide sound measures of effective implementation so that collaboratively quality education could be ensured. Journal of Public Management Research

Stakeholder's participation in policy decisions and implementation was identified as an effective mechanism of ensuring educational quality and development. Through literature and document review this paper is aimed at identifying the factors that impede effective stakeholder participation in the implementation of education policies despite the fact that the National Education Policy has guaranteed their participation with a view to eliminating overlaps, sustain and achieve synergy. Among the identified issues that hinders their effective engagement include sidelining them in educational matters, politicizing education policies and delay in making decisions in cases of their involvement such as the School Based Management Committees (SBMC's) and the Parent Teacher's Association (PTA). To rectify the challenges towards achieving the goals of education, it is recommended that the government should partner with the stakeholders in education provision, involve them in all education related issues even in cases of policy revision; intensify enlightment campaigns about government policies & that the differences among the stakeholder should be accommodated as this is believed to ensure effective implementation of the policies.