In today’s Nigeria, the pathway to quality higher education is increasingly shaped by socio-economic status rather than intellectual merit. The stark contrast between private and public universities, once a matter of institutional choice, is now a growing indicator of educational inequality. With tuition in some private institutions skyrocketing beyond the reach of the average Nigerian, the question arises: Is quality education becoming a privilege?
Nigeria’s higher education system is broadly divided into public (federal and state-owned) and private institutions. Public universities like the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Lagos have long been the pride of the nation, offering affordable tuition subsidized by the government. However, years of neglect, underfunding, and frequent industrial actions have eroded their once-exceptional standards. In contrast, private universities such as Covenant University, Nile University, and Afe Babalola University have invested heavily in infrastructure, stable academic calendars, and modern teaching resources. But these come at a steep price, with tuition fees ranging from ₦300,000 to over ₦3 million per session figures well beyond the means of the average Nigerian family.
According to the World Bank, nearly 47% of Nigerians live below the poverty line. Inflation and stagnant wages have further diminished the purchasing power of most households. In this climate, the high cost of private education has made it an exclusive reserve for the wealthy elite, with the average Nigerian increasingly priced out of these institutions. While public universities remain more affordable with fees sometimes below ₦100,000 they are frequently plagued by disruptive strikes, inadequate facilities, overcrowding, and staff welfare issues. These shortcomings often leave students in academic limbo, making private institutions more attractive for those who can afford them.
Another important distinction lies in staff welfare and motivation. In public universities, academic and non-academic staff often face delayed salaries, poor conditions of service, and limited professional development opportunities. The recent outcry by SSANU and NASU over unpaid April 2025 salaries is a case in point. Conversely, private institutions generally provide better working conditions, although not without their own internal issues. Staff in many private universities receive timely pay and operate within better-equipped environments, enhancing productivity and student experience.
The disparity in funding, management, and overall student experience between public and private institutions is creating a two-tiered education system in Nigeria. While one offers affordable but often inconsistent learning, the other delivers stability and modern facilities at a price far beyond the reach of the majority. This has long-term implications for national development. If access to high-quality education is increasingly dictated by income level, the country risks entrenching a cycle where only the privileged can afford to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership and innovation.
To prevent quality education from becoming a permanent luxury, Nigeria must take decisive action. Substantially increasing funding to public universities, reforming the education loan system to make student loans accessible and transparent, and supporting private institutions that offer scholarships or community-based access programs are all necessary steps. Additionally, standardizing regulatory frameworks to ensure tuition aligns with value, promoting vocational and technical education, and encouraging public-private partnerships in digital and academic development will be crucial.
Quality education should be a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the rich. Bridging the divide between public and private universities is essential for creating a more equitable society and harnessing Nigeria’s full intellectual potential. Until then, many young Nigerians will continue to ask whether quality education in their country is still a dream or now a privilege.
