Impact of Unregulated Privatization of Education in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Lead City University- National Universities Commission Dispute

Abstract

The proliferation of private institutions (Nursery, primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions) throughout the
country coupled with frequent closure of schools prompted this research. The findings in this study show that the privatization of
education that took place between 1980 and 1990 through the granting of private licenses to individuals was done
indiscriminately without proper supervision and monitoring. Further investigations show that the beneficiaries of the privatization
exercise are either serving or retired senior public office holders. Thus, making it difficult to ensure compliance (standards). The
study also reveal that while monitoring, regulation and control of tertiary institutions in the country is effective through the
National Universities Commission (NUC), regulation and control is completely absent at the nursery, primary, and secondary
school levels. However, the systems political theory was applied while explaining and analyzing the subject-matter. In terms of
methodology and scope, descriptive analysis and secondary sources of data (textbooks, published articles and journals) were
relied upon. Nevertheless, cases of unrest and other forms of crisis facing the education sector in Nigeria can be minimized and
curtailed if the government (local, state and federal) through its regulatory agencies (ministries, departments, boards and
commissions) conducts regular and periodic evaluation and supervision of existing private schools and institutions throughout
the country. This will no doubt ensure compliance, prosecution and revocation of existing licenses of schools and institutions that
fail to meet approved standards.