The Impact of Institutional Factors on Literacy level and Infant Mortality Rate: The Nigeria Experience
Orji, Uka Odim1; Anumudu, Charles Nnamdi2 and Ugwuanyi, Charles Uche2
1Postgraduate Student, Department of Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU).
2Department of Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU).
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the impact of institutional factors on measures that indirectly affect economic growth. Such measures are the literacy level and infant mortality rate. Annual time series data from 1996 to 2023 were utilized for the study. To guide the study, pertinent questions were asked such as to what extent does institutional factors affects literacy level in Nigeria? Does institutional factors affect infant mortality rate in Nigeria? This investigation employed the Ordinary Least Square model in the estimations in other to achieve its stated objectives. The study revealed that regulatory quality promotes literacy level. Specifically, a unit improvement in regulatory quality sees literacy level improved by about 19 unit. The result shows that rule of law is significant in deteriorating literacy level and infant mortality rate and subsequently economic growth in Nigeria. In line with the findings, the study therefore recommends that Rule of law should be strengthened in the country. Our law makers and other stakeholders of government policies should reassess the laws to ascertain their suitability in chatting the cause for sustainable development in the country. Again, adequate monitoring and evaluation of the relevant laws should be a routine task of certain officers to ensure that the planned economic development is attained.
Keywords: Institutional Factors; Economic Growth; Literacy Level; Infant Mortality Rate; Regulatory Quality; Rule of Law; Sustainable Development; Nigeria.
CITE AS: Orji, Uka Odim; Anumudu, Charles Nnamdi and Ugwuanyi, Charles Uche (2026). The Impact of Institutional Factors on Literacy level and Infant Mortality Rate: The Nigeria Experience. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 6(2):12-20. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJCRHSS/2026/62.1220