Impact of Unregulated Privatization of Education in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Lead City University- National Universities Commission Dispute

Abstract The proliferation of private institutions (Nursery, primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions) throughout the country coupled with frequent closure of schools prompted this research. The findings in this study show that the privatization of education that took place between 1980 and 1990 through the granting of private licenses to individuals was done indiscriminately without proper supervision and monitoring. Further investigations show that the beneficiaries of the privatization exercise are either serving or retired senior public office holders. Thus, making it difficult to ensure compliance (standards). The study also reveal that while monitoring, regulation and control of tertiary institutions in the country is effective through the National Universities Commission (NUC), regulation and control is completely absent at the nursery, primary, and secondary school levels. However, the systems political theory was applied while explaining and analyzing the subject-matter. In terms of methodology and scope, descriptive analysis and secondary sources of data (textbooks, published articles and journals) were relied upon. Nevertheless, cases of unrest and other forms of crisis facing the education sector in Nigeria can be minimized and curtailed if the government (local, state and federal) through its regulatory agencies (ministries, departments, boards and commissions) conducts regular and periodic evaluation and supervision of existing private schools and institutions throughou