PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: A CURSE OR A BLESSING?
Keywords:
Proliferation, Private Universities, Benefits, LimitationsAbstract
Globally, University education is regarded as a very important aspect of a nation’s educational system. The paper discussed the significance of University to the development of any nation. Specifically, the paper traced the origin of University education and emergence of Private Universities in Nigeria. It noted that as at September, 2023, Nigeria had a total of two hundred and sixty (260) universities, out of which one hundred and forty-seven (147) were privately- owned. The paper observed that the proliferation of Private Universities has some merits and demerits. It further observed that to a large extent, the Universities have been able to solve the problem of access to University education. However, the low capacity of these Private Universities has been a major challenge. The paper concluded that the National Universities Commission (NUC) should continue to ensure effective control and monitoring of these universities. The Commission should ensure strict compliance with the published Code of Governance for Private Universities.
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