Once upon a time in the animated city of Lagos, Nigeria, lived the Okonkwo family, dreaming of a brighter future for their children. Their eldest daughter, Ngozi, harboured aspirations of attending a university to pursue her passion for science.
However, the path to higher education seemed daunting as public universities were saturated, leaving many aspiring students like Ngozi in a state of uncertainty.
As Nigeria grapples with the demand for higher education, a notable shift has occurred. The emergence of private universities has altered the landscape, providing a glimmer of hope for students like Ngozi who are eager to embark on a transformative academic journey.
Private universities have become a crucial player in bridging the access gap created by the limited carrying capacity of public institutions. While public universities, burdened by overwhelming demand, often struggle to admit every qualified candidate, private universities step in to accommodate the surge.
A surge in the number of private universities
From two private universities in 1999, this number has ballooned to 147 in 2023 according to data from the National Universities Commission (NUC), while the combined number of both federal and state universities is 115.
This shift has not only increased the overall capacity for tertiary education but has also diversified the educational experience for Nigerian students.
One remarkable aspect of private universities is their emphasis on quality. With smaller student-to-faculty ratios and often well-funded infrastructure, private institutions have the flexibility to focus on delivering high-quality education. This commitment to excellence has been a beacon of light, challenging the status quo and encouraging healthy competition within the educational sector.
Private universities provide students with many of the same educational and recreational programmes as public universities. However, there are many advantages of attending private universities, including customised attention, more career opportunities and lifelong benefits.
Other aspects that differ between these two types of universities include campus life, student organisations as well as the potential to explore majors and transitional opportunities. The private universities will appeal to a student who wants to be immersed in campus life. There appear to be more student organisations than at public universities. This contributes to a social scene among students, adding to the allure of campus life that will not be found at a public university.
However, public universities tend to be more flexible for students who are working as they study with heavy work schedules unlike the strict learning atmosphere found at private universities.
Admission into a competitive university presents its graduates with ongoing benefits down the road. Students at private universities gain networking benefits that former students tap into to get jobs down the road.
For example, if your college roommate ends up in a high-ranking position in a company or industry that you want to get into, having that college connection may secure you a spot within that company.
Many private universities are smaller institutions, which means instructors and professors can focus on each student to ensure individual success. In addition, many private universities focus on developing the whole student, which requires lecturers to mentor students personally and professionally.
Private universities have smaller class sizes, an advantage for student education. Students are not likely to be overlooked in classes that take place in an auditorium like those at public universities.
Global examples of successful private universities
Examining global examples, we find countries like the United States, where private universities play a pivotal role in the education landscape. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, revered for their academic prowess, demonstrate how private universities can contribute significantly to a nation’s intellectual capital.
Nigeria can draw lessons from these examples by recognising the importance of fostering an environment where private universities thrive. Collaboration between public and private sectors, financial incentives, and regulatory frameworks that ensure quality standards can contribute to a harmonious coexistence.
However, challenges persist. Affordability remains a concern as private institutions often come with higher tuition fees. To address this, strategic partnerships between private universities and scholarship providers, as well as government initiatives to make education more accessible, can be explored.
Public universities have advantages too
Public universities, federal and state, have advantages, from cheaper school fees to the freedom to be an adult. Public universities expose students to the real world, and introduce them to the hustle of life, unlike private universities. Where the environment is sterilised.
Students in public universities enjoy the freedom to make decisions for themselves and learn to be almost independent. Private universities keep students within the four walls of their campuses and under certain rules more suited for teenagers than young adults. The laws in public universities are not imposed on the students; they are just the basic principles a normal student is meant to follow.
There are so many parties to attend, clubs and events. One gets to meet real people, one also learns to be real. There is a lot of gist and gossip, a lot of things to laugh at. Rather than chapel, it’s clubbing. Dating is in federal schools. Couples express love without fear as adults. One gets to see students who are rich and poor mingling as equals; students who express themselves through their dressing and are not relegated to some uniform.
Private and public universities have their place. The story of Ngozi and her pursuit of higher education mirrors the broader narrative of countless Nigerian families. Private universities are not merely institutions; they are catalysts for change, driving progress and inclusivity in the educational landscape. As Nigeria continues its journey towards educational transformation, embracing the potential of private universities becomes paramount in shaping a future where every Ngozi has the opportunity to reach for the stars.
