Nigeria is host to many private and public universities, and the choice of enrollment is dependent on financial capacity and a conducive environment for learning. The major disparity between these educational opportunities is that the latter is owned and controlled by the government while the former is managed by the private individuals.
Although some public schools have achieved major strides, many students and education bodies are proposing a restructuring and reform of public universities. Some of the things many are clamoring to see are not farfetched because the growth and trends in private schools are visible for all to see.
While I will explore the different worlds of private and public universities in our contemporary world, there are a few major differences.
Private institutions are known to have comfortable, well-furnished libraries and a more conducive environment when compared to public universities. Although they are comfortable, without a doubt, in terms of learning activities and academic research, private schools have a thorough learning process. Also, private schools have more stringent syllables because their academic calendar is faster. To some extent, public schools have longer and more relaxed semesters.
Apart from comfort and serenity, one characteristic of private universities is the organization system in terms of school management and administration. The academic system is well coordinated with fewer semesters and faster syllables. Also students are given more attention because of the fewer teacher-to-student ratio. However, public schools are widely affected by strikes, while private schools enjoy a free calendar all year long.
Furthermore, many are of the opinion that private universities in Nigeria provide better educational opportunities and increase the exposure of graduates, who are largely sought after in top industries and organizations in and around the world. This private is distinctively different, no doubt, in terms of teaching, high-level research, citations, international recognition and outlook, and knowledge contribution and transfer. Some of these world-class universities include Covenant University, Redeemer University, and Afe Babalola University, among others. Major federal universities, such as Unillorin, University of Benin, Bayero University, University of Calabar, National Open University, University of Abuja (FCT) and University of Lagos, deserve special mention because of their long history. while others seem to have relinquished their power to equip students with the passing of time.
In terms of enhanced security, private schools are far more secure than some public schools.
Private universities have restricted freedom and strict compliance to instruction because of security personnel at almost every key and sensitive area in the institution. Conversely, in public schools, they celebrate the freedom to visit places outside of school
All Campus Show asked some students about their preferred choice of school. Speaking with Victor Alex, a student at UNIBEN, he said.
"My choice of UNIBEN was based on the hype that federal universities were better. But private schools are preferable because they are just generally more organized, you can plan your schooling time, and there is also a certain level of accountability to the students from the school. Currently, I feel really sad and frustrated with the current strike. If it were a private school, the case would have been different. "
Furthermore, he added that although his school didn’t lack any basic amenities, it lacked proper management of the infrastructure already present.
Another student, Ope, from Ibadan Polytechnic, had this to say.
"There are some amenities my school is lacking. For me I would prefer a private university, but the funds are not available. My parents have a lot to concern themselves with now. Besides that, I am not the only child”
The choice of Covenant University was my parents' Ruth said. I really didn’t have a choice since they were the ones paying my school fees. Apart from the strike, if I had the option of choosing a school, I would attend a polytechnic because they are exposed to lots of practice.
''I think my stay so far here at Redeemers University has been engaging, Funke said. The work loads are tedious and stressful. Many people think we have it easier here in a private university, but until you wear the pants, don’t claim to know where it hurts.''
In a final review, it so disappointing that private universities owned solely by an individual are fully equipped with all necessary amenities and comfort to see that student become the best in their feats while the federal and state university which are owned and controlled by the government is dwindling. This neglect of education can be attributed to government negligence and embezzlement of public funds meant to grow the education sector in Nigeria. Therefore, All Campus is calling on the government and its relevant stakeholder to look into growing education by allocating adequate funds, because any country that refuses to invest in education will live in darkness forever.
Education is Light.