Seven differences between public, private universities in Nigeria

Owing to the rot in Nigeria’s education sector, many private universities have been established with the aim of giving students a better deal than public institutions of higher learning.

Here are instances of the differences between private and public universities.

Strike

Academic and non–academic staff of public universities are wont to embark on occasional strikes – to demand salary arrears, clement working conditions, among other reasons.

The incessant nature of the strikes was one of the reasons why Nigerian parents started seeking better alternatives and consequently, fueled the private university business.

In a bid to avoid the inevitability of strikes like public schools, private universities allocate sufficient amount of funds for salary remuneration, which in turn motivate their staff to train the students as best as they can.

Funding

Private universities tend to be more expensive because they are funded by individuals and organisations as opposed to public universities which are government owned and funded.

Tuition

Funding affects tuition, and since private universities are privately funded, they are obviously more expensive. Tuition in a private university is a lot more than it is at a public university. This makes private institutions inaccessible to lower class families.

Status

Just as the word implies, private gives the impression of prestige and high standing. Private is exclusive and it is not for everyone.

Many students in private schools have the mindset that they are better than their counterparts in public schools.

Ease of gaining admission

The criteria for gaining admission into a top public university is more difficult than private universities.

For example, trying to get into any of the reputable public universities like the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos or Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, requires a high cut-off mark in JAMB.

Curriculum

The curricula of private universities – who are often more progressive – are not as rigid as public universities. Private universities also have faster academic calendars without any disruption.

Learning conditions

Private universities are better equipped than public universities.

The student population of a public university makes it hard for undergraduates to learn and assimilate.

In public universities, students are so many that some sit on the floor, window frames and even on the lecturers’ table – just to learn.

Private universities are hardly faced with issues like these because they ensure that lectures are held in a conducive environment and that student population is properly managed.