Poverty Alleviation, Education Enrollment, Access to Healthcare and Human Development: Analysis of Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This study investigated the interconnected roles of poverty alleviation programs, education enrollment, and access to healthcare in promoting human development within the context of Nigeria's pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Utilizing secondary data spanning nine years from 2015 to 2023 and employing descriptive and content analyses, findings from the study revealed that the increased government expenditure on poverty alleviation programs, higher education enrollment rates and the improved access to healthcare services contributed positively to the improved human development outcomes. The study concluded that the metrics of achieving sustainable development goals are important in achieving human development in Nigeria. The findings contributed to a deeper understanding of the interplay between economic, social, and health factors in driving sustainable development in Nigeria. This finding emphasizes the need for efficient allocation of resources to ensure maximum impact. The research recommended increasing investments in poverty alleviation programs, expanding social safety nets, and enhancing access to education and healthcare services, particularly in marginalized communities in Nigeria and other developing economies.