PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN THE PROVISION OF BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: OPTIONS AND STRATEGIES

Abstract

The focus of this paper is the need for increased private participation in the provision of Basic Education in Nigeria. It is held that the establishment and running of primary and secondary schools by the government is a social service, but if undertaken by a private citizen could be an economic activity. Private participation in basic education can help to promote competition and raise the quality of educational services. The competitive pressures entail that providers of schools for low-income families face the challenges which compel them to keep their fees as well as their cost and expenditure per pupil low. This is the thrust of private involvement in economic activities. Incidentally, this provides the basis for private participation in education in Nigeria. However, the insistence for private participation does not imply that governments should renege on their obligations to support public education, but suggests that the actual provision of education functions should be decentralized and contracted out to private organizations; de-regulation is an implicit precondition for widespread private-sector involvement.