It is actually possible for education system in the country to keep whirling if not thoroughly checked. Over the years, there has been criticism against private institutions, which might continue anyway, but it would be beneficial if Nigerians start realising that federal and private universities are two sides of a coin.

According to history, the establishment of private universities successfully kicked in 1999 after series of attempts, with three universities that met up with the requirements of the National University Commission (NUC) out of 40 applications and ever since then, its establishment has been on the increase.

 Inability of gaining access into higher institutions by qualified students, incessant strikes by the Academic Staff Union (ASU) and other federal university staffs’ among other things, prompted the upsurge of private universities in Nigeria.

Private universities have been opened to a lot of criticisms in terms of meeting up with its purpose of establishment; some critics say private universities is a waste of money while others say, majority of lecturers and students in these universities are not competent.

I was making my hair sometimes ago when stylists started discussing issues about education system and how private institutions have been impacting. I kept on listening and intentionally didn’t say anything because I wanted to know their opinion, as it is a matter I’ve for long kicked against: ‘federal, private institution students’ discrimination.’ A young lady, who must still be battling with West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examinations, voiced out and mentioned a particular private university in Ibadan, ‘‘those students don’t know anything, their parents are only wasting money. ’’ I shook my head, she proceeded by saying students from that very institution don’t get mobilised for National Youth Services Corps (NYSC), the criticism is that bad! This must have been what she overheard some people talk about.

It is indeed an unfair statement to utter words against private institutions, particularly when you have never been there or probably when you only have an opportunity to be in one or two private institutions out of 59 that exists in Nigeria or when you have an encounter with few students in a particular private institution. It is just a strand out of the whole parcel of private institutions and conclusion should be arrived at yet.

Moreover, education system should probably be reviewed in the country at all levels and pertaining to this issue, the federal and private institutions should be checked thoroughly in order to fix the crushed area, rather than praising one at the detriment of the other.

 I once overheard a lecturer in a particular private university complain of a student’s attitude towards answering a question that warrants 40marks with just five lines, thereby bashing private universities students and parents. It was of course coincidental, when I visited a lecturer at our renowned pioneer federal institution in the country and heard his friend complained of a student lifting materials from the internet to answer his term paper questions and unfortunately for the student, he didn’t border to edit the Google work and perhaps, the answer didn’t even correlate with the question.

Therefore, it is essential to realise that both federal and private institutions are two sides of a coin.

As often described, private university is an advanced secondary school, boarding house among others, but nothing comes without its uniqueness, which is the strike free approach these universities have and if taken seriously, students know the exact year they finishes.    

 On the other hand, there are some factors that are to be probed while talking about the standards of private universities; students’ ability and the reason for these universities existence.

Knowing that some private universities were established mainly with the aim of generating income over impacting on wards life is quite funny. Majority are profit oriented in nature. The emergence of private universities as a business enterprise is an emerging phenomenon and its status is shady. Many operate without licenses, commensurate resources or appropriate infrastructures and the quality of service by many is also shoddy.

For difference to be made, impacting on the wards should be the upmost priority of the founders of these universities. A situation whereby parents donate money for the development of some missionary private institutions and can’t send ward because of heavy pay is actually disheartening.

Furthermore, in order to nullify critics, student of private universities should endeavour to use opportunities their school offers wisely. For parents, research should be their watchword when it comes to sending wards to private institution.