Growing Alarm Over Quality Of Private Schools

Growing Alarm Over Quality Of Private Schools

As the new school year begins, concerns are rising regarding the standards of private schools across the country, with many proprietors compromising quality in favor of cheaper labor…READ MORE…

IReporteronline reports that, in response to the increasing demand for alternatives to public education, private schools are expanding rapidly. However, there is widespread worry about the qualifications of teachers, as many proprietors struggle to pay the national minimum wage despite charging high tuition fees.

Our research indicates a significant increase in the number of private schools in Nigeria, especially in urban areas. This trend is largely driven by families seeking alternatives to public education, spurred by dissatisfaction with overcrowded classrooms, underfunded public institutions, and outdated facilities.

Despite the growth of private schools, questions are being raised about whether these institutions prioritize teacher qualifications and professional development or exploit the sector’s expansion for profit.

Stakeholders who spoke to IReporteronline expressed alarm that some private schools are prioritizing cost-cutting measures over educational standards, often hiring untrained or underqualified staff and offering low salaries.

This has ignited a broader discussion about finding the right balance between accessibility, affordability, and educational quality.

In Nigeria, over 80% of secondary schools are privately owned, representing a significant share of the education landscape. Data from the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) indicates there are approximately 50,000 secondary schools in Nigeria, with the private sector controlling more than 80% of them.

The rapid increase in private school enrollment is attributed to the belief that these institutions provide a higher quality of education. Many parents feel that private schools offer more personalized teaching with smaller class sizes and a curriculum that aligns better with international standards.

Moreover, private schools often feature superior resources, such as modern classrooms, computer labs, and sports facilities, making them appealing to families that can afford the tuition.

However, the growing demand for private education has led to some institutions expanding without adequate attention to the qualifications of their teaching staff. Reports suggest that hiring processes in many smaller or more affordable private schools, particularly in Abuja, lack the necessary rigor.

It’s been revealed that some private schools are employing individuals without formal teaching qualifications or offering salaries that fail to attract qualified educators.

A LEADERSHIP survey in Abuja showed that while a handful of reputable international schools provide competitive salaries and maintain high hiring standards, most private schools in the capital are less discerning with their hiring practices.

In the suburban areas catering to middle-income families, teachers may earn between 30,000 to 50,000 Naira per month—significantly lower than the minimum wage for many professions. In contrast, more established private schools with higher tuition fees pay their teachers between 100,000 to 300,000 Naira per month and uphold stricter standards for teacher qualifications.

Interestingly, many educators in lesser-known private schools possess degrees in unrelated fields but turned to teaching out of financial necessity. Moses Akpa, a private school teacher, shared, “I’m a Mathematics graduate who moved to Abuja seeking better opportunities. Teaching was quickly the only job I could find.”

Parents are now questioning whether the quality of education justifies the higher costs associated with private schooling. Isaac Moji, a parent of children enrolled in a private school in Nyanya, acknowledges concerns about teacher quality but values the smaller class sizes and improved facilities offered by private institutions.

Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), affirmed that private schools are crucial to the education system but cautioned that low salaries deter qualified individuals from entering the teaching profession. “We cannot do without private schools. Today, of the approximately 50,000 secondary schools in the country, the private sector manages at least 80%,” he stated.

He emphasized the necessity for government oversight to ensure that private schools meet minimum standards regarding teacher qualifications, facilities, and curricula. Ajayi also expressed concern regarding exam malpractice in some private schools, where the focus often shifts to teaching to the test rather than fostering a well-rounded education.

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