On the one hand, free education policies have led to an increase in enrollment rates, particularly among disadvantaged groups such as girls and children from low-income families. This is because the removal of tuition fees and other costs has made education more accessible and affordable for these groups.

Additionally, free education policies have helped to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. According to UNESCO, the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria decreased from 10.5 million in 2010 to 8.7 million in 2018. This decline can be attributed, in part, to the implementation of free education policies.

However, the implementation of free education policies has also posed significant challenges for primary and secondary education in Nigeria. One of the major challenges is the issue of funding. The removal of tuition fees and other costs has placed a significant burden on state and local governments, which are responsible for funding education.

As a result, many schools in Nigeria are facing significant funding shortages, which have led to a decline in the quality of education. Many schools lack basic infrastructure, such as classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities, and are unable to provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Furthermore, the implementation of free education policies has also led to an increase in teacher shortages. Many teachers in Nigeria are not being paid on time, and some are not being paid at all. This has led to a decline in teacher morale and motivation, which has had a negative impact on the quality of education.

Overall, the impact of free education policies on primary and secondary education in Nigeria has been complex and multifaceted. While these policies have increased access to education and reduced the number of out-of-school children, they have also posed significant challenges, including funding shortages and teacher shortages.