LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the relationship between local government and rural development in Akwa Ibom State, with particular emphasis on educational development and agricultural development. The study adopted a case study approach; however, the unit of analysis was on a micro level with data drawn from respondents across 3 selected Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State. Tables and simple percentages were adopted in presenting the responses, while descriptive statistics tools and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation assisted in the analysis of data and test of hypotheses at 5% level of significance. The study findings revealed that local government has a significant positive correlation E(r=0.786{p=0.000<0.05}) with educational development in Akwa Ibom State and agricultural development in Akwa Ibom State. However, it was recommended that Local governments in Akwa Ibom State should increase educational budgets to facilitate teacher support programs, and improve school facilities in order to enhance educational development. Also, local governments in Akwa Ibom State should ensure that local farmers are empowered with farm equipment and crop seedlings to promote agricultural development.