Edited by Edogbanya Ocholi and Olorundare Oluwapelumi
The privatisation of education is growing rapidly in Nigeria, often deepening the divide between the rich and the poor.
Every child deserves access to quality education. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), around 27% of primary school enrollment and 40% of secondary school enrollment occurs in private schools.
This is evident in the fact that 73% of children who should be in primary school are either enrolled in public schools or are out of school entirely, while 60% of those in the secondary school age group are either dropouts or attending public institutions. Given the current economic realities, the average Nigerian may find it difficult to afford private education, thereby limiting their children’s access to quality learning opportunities.
However, the socioeconomic progression or decline in Nigeria is not solely a result of the privatisation of education. Instead, the rapid expansion of elite private schools is reinforcing class distinctions and deepening social inequalities — trends that are ultimately harmful to both individuals and society at large.
Table of Contents
Education as a Fundamental Human Right
Education is one of the primary functions of the government, and making private education dominate a community will deny so many children the right to education.
Children need basic education to expand their horizons, to be productive, and to achieve certain things. Education is a fundamental human right. Nigeria, as a party to several international treaties, has a legal responsibility to protect the right to education.
Therefore, the government is charged with the responsibility to provide good education system. A society with literate individuals and educated community members tends to have high social advancement. In countries like these, ideas are easily passed across and put to good use.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
Impact of Unenrolment in Schools on Society
Millions of Nigerian children remain unenrolled due to poverty and lack of structure in public institutions. No child should be denied fundamental rights to education.
The government’s duty in education is to make it accessible to the general public. A country where half of its population is not enrolled in school is considered underdeveloped — and is likely to remain so.
When young minds and potential contributors to national progress are excluded from formal education, the result is a rise in social instability, including increased crime rates and a surge in child street trading.
While the dominance of private schools is not directly causing the closure of public schools, it also does little to uplift the overall quality of education for the majority. The capacity of Nigerian parents to afford private schooling varies, and choosing private education is ultimately a matter of financial ability and personal choice.
However, no child deserves to be left uneducated. Denying children access to education fuels a generation of disillusioned youths — many of whom may become deviant or unproductive members of society. Uneducated youth are more likely to be involved in crime or other antisocial activities, ultimately undermining national development and progress.
The Neglect of Public Schools in Nigeria
The public schools lack infrastructure and qualified teachers, making it difficult for children to learn. Public schools have unequipped facilities and poor funding as opposed to private schools.
This is as a result of the government’s negligence in the educational sector. Public education should not be left in ruins while private institutions flourish.
In today’s economic climate, very few public schools in Nigeria are functioning effectively — a situation that falls squarely under the responsibility of the government. Many children lack access to basic learning facilities, and public-school teachers are often underpaid and undervalued.
In contrast, most private schools are relatively well-equipped and staffed with qualified teachers, offering a better learning environment for those who can afford it.
However, the progress or decline of a society is not solely determined by the privatisation of education, but by broader social and economic challenges such as poverty, inequality, and poor governance.
Final Thoughts
Education should be free and accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. To ensure that every child can benefit from quality public education, the government must significantly increase funding for public schools to improve infrastructure, teaching quality, and learning outcomes.
Additionally, scholarships and financial aid should be made widely available to support children from underprivileged families and bridge the access gap.
Read more: Bridging The Gap: Addressing Educational Disparities In Nigeria
