Renowned African historian, Professor Toyin Falola, has urged the Nigerian government to provide greater financial and regulatory support for private universities, emphasising their crucial role in national development.
Falola, who is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, Professor of History, and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, made this known while speaking at the maiden edition of Atiba University’s Founders’ Public Lecture on Wednesday.
He highlighted the significant contributions of private universities to Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He noted that despite their importance, these institutions face major challenges due to financial constraints, lack of government backing, and stringent regulatory policies.
“The government must help private universities if it is to maximise their contributions to the education sector and Nigeria’s larger economic growth,” Falola stated. “Private universities are limited in their capacity to grow, upgrade infrastructure, and increase research output by major financial and regulatory restrictions. Even though they operate outside direct government oversight, they still face considerable challenges that hinder their ability to thrive.”
Falola called for policies that create a more conducive environment for private universities, particularly through financial incentives. “The availability of cash in the form of research grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives for educational institutions engaged in the growth of infrastructure and creative ideas should be among the most crucial areas of assistance,” he argued. “Unlike their counterparts in developed countries, private universities in Nigeria receive little or no government support, despite playing a crucial role in relieving the pressure on public institutions.”
He emphasised that supporting private universities is an investment in national development. “Providing financial incentives or grants to private universities engaged in revolutionary research, technology advancements, or projects creating employment will ensure that their contributions transcend the domain of classroom teaching and enter the realm of economic transformation.”
Addressing the need for regulatory reform, Falola criticised the bureaucratic challenges imposed on private universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies. “While quality control is necessary, some of these regulations do more harm than good,” he noted. “The rigid certification processes and operational guidelines make it difficult for private universities to expand their academic programs or introduce new fields of study.”
He recommended that the government simplify accreditation processes, remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, and provide clear guidelines that allow for curriculum flexibility. “Besides, the government should create special economic zones for educational purposes,” he suggested. “These areas would give private universities access to reasonably priced land for campus expansion, tax breaks, and infrastructural benefits. This would encourage the growth of more private universities, boost competition, and enhance educational quality.”
Falola also emphasised the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in ensuring equitable access to high-quality education. He pointed out that many Nigerians cannot afford private universities due to high tuition costs, making financial collaboration between the government and the private sector crucial.
“The government and the business sector must cooperate to create financing systems that make private education more affordable without compromising quality,” he said. “One strategy would be to establish scholarship or student loan programs jointly sponsored by the government and commercial companies. By offering financial aid based on both talent and need, private universities can attract a more diverse student body and ensure that quality education is not restricted to those who can afford high tuition fees.”
In addition to student funding, Falola stressed the importance of corporate investment in research and infrastructure within private universities. “Many multinational companies—especially in the technology and healthcare sectors—are willing to invest in education if they see long-term benefits like research alliances and skilled talent pipeline development,” he stated. “The government should incentivize these partnerships by granting tax advantages to companies that sponsor research and development projects in private universities.”
According to Falola, strengthening partnerships between private universities and government institutions would further enhance the relevance of tertiary education for national development. “Private universities today are placing more emphasis on entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, but stronger government involvement could amplify their impact,” he noted. “Policies that support businesses founded by graduates—such as commercial incentives, regulatory ease, and mentorship programs—will further highlight the role of private universities in employment creation.”
Falola also stressed the need for aligning academic programs with Nigeria’s economic priorities. “By matching university curricula with national goals in fields such as digital technology, industrial production, and renewable energy, graduates can contribute directly to solving Nigeria’s economic challenges,” he said. “We must ensure that universities are not just producing degree holders but equipping students with the skills needed for national progress.”
Furthermore, Falola called for enhanced quality assurance mechanisms to maintain high educational standards in private universities. He acknowledged that while private institutions have introduced innovation and stability into Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, there is significant variation in quality across institutions. “While some universities struggle with financial instability, unqualified lecturers, and substandard curricula, others maintain world-class facilities, highly trained faculty, and rigorous academic programs,” he said.
To bridge this gap, he advocated for a well-organized accreditation and quality assurance system. “Establishing and enforcing clear guidelines to ensure consistency in teaching standards, research output, and student outcomes is essential,” he stated. “Quality control should be about continuous improvement rather than mere compliance.”
Falola reiterated the importance of government support in unlocking the full potential of private universities. “If Nigeria wants a globally competitive higher education system, it must recognize that both public and private universities are critical to that vision,” he asserted. “By providing financial incentives, easing regulatory constraints, and fostering partnerships, the government can empower private universities to become engines of national development.”
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