RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENT ENROLMENT AND SOCIAL COSTS OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigates the relationship between student enrolment and social costs of university education in Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Four research questions were raised and answered through data analysis. An instrument titled University Social Cost Checklist (USCC) was used to collect data on student enrolment and recurrent and capital expenditures of federal universities from Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and National Universities Commission (NUC). Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentage. The study showed N 91,767.20 as average social cost in 2001. However, the cost increased by 137.6% in 2006 to N 218,023.91. Between 2006 and 2007, average social cost reduced by 34.6% to N. 142,538.86 This might not be unconnected with increase in student enrolment from 464,025 in 2006 to 610,072 as increase in student enrolment tends to reduce average social cost. Thereafter, average social cost continued to increase consistently from 2007. In 2010, average social cost was N321,072.63 owing to fluctuation in student enrolment in that year. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the pattern of recurrent expenditure should be looked into to identify areas of excessive spending. Also, access to university education (federal universities) should be increased. Additionally, more federal universities should be established and the existing universities should be funded to increase their carrying capacities.