The authors discussed the Universal Primary Education Scheme and the Universal Basic Education scheme in Nigeria and matters arising that limited the programmes from accomplishing the main objectives for which they were launched. Both the UPE and the UBE programmes were educational programmes launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1976 and in 1999 respectively, with the main aim of amongst others, making primary education free and compulsory increasing primary school enrolment, eliminating illiteracy in Nigeria, balance educational disparity within various regions, increase numeracy amongst Nigerians, to encourage national unity and integration in Nigeria, encourage sustainable development in Nigeria, encourage life-long learning especially for out of school persons on reasons of age and other socio-cultural barriers amongst others in Nigeria. Though the two programmes were launched at different time in Nigeria with similar objectives-Education For All. However, the authors observed that both programmes suffered the same fate, right from the conception of the programmes to the execution. The major set -backs to the programmes were : poor planning, poor preparation, poor infrastructures, lack of adequate and qualified personnel to prosecute the programmes to successful ends, paucity of fund, lack of discipline amongst the executors of the programme, improper supervision, monitoring and evaluation, lackadaisical attitude of school teachers, employment are sometimes based on political affiliation and not based on merit etc. Based on the observed inherent challenges, the authors conclude and recommended that proper planning, employment based on merit, proper supervision, monitoring and evaluation among others should be the watchword of any government educational programme of such magnitude. The authors are hopeful that since many other developed countries in Europe, Asia and America have attained great strides in their national economy through their educational policies, Nigeria too can attain same if things are done properly and “squire pegs put in squire holes.