The educational sector in Nigeria continues to face daunting challenges, such as strike actions by teachers’ unions, which disrupt academic activities and halt educational programs. Poor funding has resulted in dilapidated school buildings, a lack of necessary learning materials, and inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, many teachers suffer from low motivation due to poor remuneration and the absence of proper supervision.
Education in Nigeria has evolved over the years, beginning with traditional methods of knowledge transmission before the introduction of Western education by missionaries in the 19th century. The first primary school, established in Badagry by the Church Missionary Society in 1843, marked the beginning of formal education in Nigeria. With British colonization came structured educational policies, leading to the establishment of secondary schools and higher institutions.
After Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the government took over the responsibility of education, expanding access through the introduction of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1976 and later the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in 1999. However, despite these efforts, the public education sector has continued to struggle with funding, teacher shortages, and infrastructural decay, prompting an increasing shift toward private schooling.
Many mushroom private schools are springing up, many without proper registration and documentation. Public schools, especially at the primary level, are now associated with poverty and lack. What used to be a citadel of hope has lost much of its respect and value. Many Nigerians prefer to borrow money and pay for their kids to attend private schools rather than government-owned primary schools.
Recently, I had a chat with a family whose children had been at home for quite some time. When I asked, they complained about not having money for fees. I suggested that they try the government primary school in the area since it is affordable. They said their children would rather stay at home and be taught by their mother.
There is strong evidence that teaching seems to be better in private schools than in state-owned schools. Private schools tend to exhibit higher levels of teacher presence, better teaching activity, and improved teaching approaches that enhance learning outcomes. Unlike government-run institutions, private schools often have better facilities, smaller class sizes, and more effective administrative structures, which contribute to a more conducive learning environment.
The rise of private schools in Nigeria, especially at the primary level, is a response to the shortcomings of public education. With over 20 million out-of-school children, many parents prefer private institutions that offer more reliable academic programs and extracurricular activities. Additionally, increasing urbanization and population growth have heightened the demand for quality education, leading to the proliferation of private schools across the country.
However, the dominance of private schools presents its own challenges. Many low-income families struggle to afford the high fees charged by these institutions, leading to educational inequalities. Furthermore, the unregulated growth of private schools has resulted in the emergence of substandard institutions that do not meet national educational standards.
The growing rate of private school establishment in Nigeria is a testament to the failure of public education to meet the needs of its citizens. While private schools have improved access to quality education, there is a need for stronger regulations to ensure they meet minimum standards. At the same time, the government must invest more in public education to bridge the gap and provide equal opportunities for all Nigerian children.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
