Politics of School Mapping: Evaluation of Spatial Distribution of Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

School mapping in secondary education has witnessed a lot of distortion in Nigeria largely because the allocation of educational resources is embedded in politics of education. Consequently, the paper examined trends in the politics of school mapping and spatial distribution of secondary schools in Rivers state. Three research questions guided the study. The document analysis research method was utilized which involved extensive analysis of records and documents. Data collected were descriptively analysed. Findings revealed spatial imbalance in the distribution of public secondary schools, and neglect of population factor in siting secondary schools in Rivers State. Recommendations aimed at enhancing even distribution of public secondary schools were proffered. The paper concluded that school distribution system that ignores basic school mapping process could undermine the overall educational development in Rivers State.