Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Abstract:
This paper analyzed the emergence of private universities in Nigeria since 1999. A close examination of the ownership structure of these universities revealed that not less than 50% are wholly-owned by Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) with the remainder coming under a variety of interests ranging from business partnerships to private individuals. A comparative analysis of the fees structure of the private universities studied vis-a-vis publicly-funded ones revealed that there exist huge differences between them. With regard to course offering, it was found that unlike the "super market model" prevalent in publicly-funded universities, the "boutique model" predominate their privately-owned counterparts regardless of ownership background. Full- time well-trained and experienced staff (especially in the academic cadre) are grossly insufficient to meet needs and, the tendency is towards heavy dependence on ill-trained, inexperienced and over-used academics from public universities. Not surprisingly, the research and development (R&D) strength of these universities is virtually non-existent. Taken singly and considered collectively, these problems have been proved to constitute serious challenges to private universities and demonstrably impact negatively upon their activities This paper critically examined the private universities sub-sector in Nigeria from the angle of the factors mentioned and prescribed various coping strategies for ameliorating identified challenges.

Keywords: higher education, private universities, public universities, faith based organizations, fee payment.

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