Abstract
A phenomenal expansion of the Nigerian university system began with the oil boom of the 1970s. Following a downturn in the nation's economy and the introduction of structural adjustment programmes, government subventions to Nigerian universities have dropped appreciably, and in real terms the universities have suffered considerable decline in purchasing power. Institutional structures for monitoring efficiency have played an important role in efforts to maintain academic standards; but in the face of continued uncontrolled expansion and in the absence of basic facilities for teaching and research, the university system cannot sustain a healthy growth. Greater attention is being given to improved fiscal management, income generation by the universities and rationalisation of academic programmes. As scholarships and bursary awards for able but indigent students are resuscitated, cost recovery measures in the universities need to be intensified. Proposals for the establishment of private universities operating within guidelines prescribed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) should be re-examined.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abdulkadir, I. A. (1987). ‘Let us all chip in’, Resource Management in the University System - Proceedings of the NUC/CVC/BC International Seminar.
Adesola, A.O. (1988). Restructuring and Rationalisation of Academic Programmes: The University of Lagos Experience. Distinguished Visitors' Programme Report, Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Cummings, C. E. and Olaloku, F. A. (1988). Costs and Effectiveness of University Open Learning - A Case Study of Correspondence and Open Studies Institute at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. London: Commonwealth Secretariat.
Dressel, P. L. (1987). ‘Mission organization and leadership’, The Journal of Higher Education 58 (1).
Federal Government of Nigeria (1982). Fourth National Development Plan, 1981–1988, Federal Government Press, Lagos.
Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (1990). Government Efforts at Funding Federal Universities, F. M. E., Lagos, April 5.
Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (1985). The Report of the Study Group on Higher Education Curricula and Development in Nigeria. F. M. E., Lagos.
Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette (1985). Education (National minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Decree, No. 43, Vol. 72, Fed. Govt. Press, Lagos, August 20.
Handy, C. B. (1985). Understanding Organizations. London: Penguin.
National Universities Commission (1989). Annual Report, January 1988–December 1988. NUC, Lagos.
Osasona, O. A. (1981). A Cost Analysis for a Double - Intake in Nigerian Universities. Seminar Paper presented to the Regional Institute for Population Studies, Accra, September.
Psacharopoulos, G. (1988). ‘Higher education and development: a reappraisal’, The Quarterly Journal of the International Association of Universities, 12–16.
Psacharopoulos, G. (in press). ‘Priorities in the financing of education’, International Journal of Educational Development.
Tamuno, T. N. (1987). ‘Management of universities in Nigeria: a look at the past, present and the Future’, Resource Management in the University System - Proceedings of the NUC/CVC/British Council International Seminar. National Universities Commission, Lagos.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Adesola, A.O. The Nigerian university system: meeting the challenges of growth in a depressed economy. High Educ 21, 121–133 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00132345
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00132345