Onyido Josephine Azuka^1,, Akpan Bokime Gabriel¹

This paper critically analyses education and income distribution in Nigeria and establishes the disparity that exist in income distribution in almost every sector of the economy particularly in third world countries like Nigeria. The paper establishes that the unequal income distribution in Nigeria has created a divide between two distinctive groups. This paper establishes that the level of educational achievement, family pressure, family inheritance, gender issue to mention a few have influenced the income distribution. This distinctive groups classified as “have” and “have not’s” lead to economic exploitation, political domination and empowerment domination and educational advantage. The paper therefore views education as a significant determinant of the economic development of a country as well as the income of an individual and recommends that the present salary structure be reviewed that equal and free education should be accessible to every citizen regardless of age, gender or background. Furthermore, it suggests that an all encompassing social security scheme be introduced for its citizens and concludes that the disparity in the income distribution across the country can be reduced if education attains its proper place in the society and the lives of its populace because it will aid in bridging the gap in income distribution.

income distribution, education, social class