16 - Private universities in Nigeria: Prevalence, course offerings, cost, and manpower development

Abstract

In most countries, the universities are the centers for the production of the nation's high level manpower, knowledge generation, and the bedrock for educating the next generation of leaders. In Nigeria, universities are either owned by the federal or state governments or by private organizations, individuals, or religious groups. Private university education began fully in 1999 during the Obasanjo regime with the establishment of three universities. This has grown to 50 in 2013. This paper captures the current status of private university education in Nigeria, highlighting major issues confronting private university education. Specifically, the purpose of this study includes the following: is there a prevalence of private universities in some states, and what are the issues related to such a situation? What percentage of students is admitted into private universities for selected years? What are the current fees in private universities, how does this compare to state universities, and what are the consequences of such costs? What are the most common academic offerings in selected private universities? What is the quality of instruction based on faculty ranking, faculty qualification, information on faculty publications, and is the university home to any journal? Data was collected using the webpages of the private universities, the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Universities Commission. Results showed a prevalence of universities in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; the fees were extremely high compared to state universities, academic programs offered were limited, and the faculty qualification was very low, as measured by the number of PhDs and faculty ranking. Recommendations were made to improve the current situation to ensure that private universities play a vital role in national development.