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

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Periodical article

Title:	Public policy and the quest for expansion of access through private universities in Nigeria (1999-2012)
Authors:	Obasi, Isaac N. Akuchie, Rosemary C. Obasi, Susan N.
Year:	2013
Periodical:	African Administrative Studies (ISSN 0007-9588)
Issue:	80
Pages:	205-222
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	access to education universities higher education private education
Abstract:	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 to the universities. To what extent has this policy goal been achieved? The analysis of enrollment data from 50 private universities suggests that private universities have hardly served to expand access to academic education. In 2007, 30 private universities contributed 3.4% of the total university enrollment in Nigeria, in 2009 41 private universities accounted for 5% of enrollment, and in 2012 50 private universities contributed 10.4%. This sharply contrasts with the contribution of 37 federal universities (68.7 % of the total enrollment in 2012) in 2012. The article concludes that public policy in Nigeria vis-à-vis private universities has not resulted in increased access to academic education. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum [Journal abstract, edited]