Public policy and the quest for expansion of access through private universities in Nigeria (1999-2012)‎

Abstract EN

One of the major reasons for the liberalization of ownership of higher education institutions and the eventual licensing of private universities in Nigeria in 1999 was to expand access into the universities.

To what extent has this policy goal been achieved ? This study examines this important question using a documentary research design involving the collection of relevant data through secondary sources.

After analyzing enrollment data from 50 private universities, evidence suggests that public policy has failed to use private universities to expand access.

For example, as at 2007, 30 private universities contributed only 3.4 % of total enrollment in the universities in Nigeria, and this marginally rose to 5 % in 2009 with 41 private universities.

However, this rose again (though moderately) to 10.4 % in 2012 with 50 private universities.

This sharply contrasts with a lesser number of 37 federal universities that contributed 68.7 % to total enrollment in the same year.

Consequently, this article concludes that public policy in Nigeria has not created enough supportive enablers for private universities to expand access.

In order to address therefore, the article recommends new policy enablers for expanding access in private universities.