By Rita Okoye

Foremost historian and university administrator, Professor Toyin Falola, has emphasized the vital role of private universities in positioning Nigeria’s education system for global competitiveness.

This formed the crux of Falola’s presentation at the maiden edition of Atiba University’s Founders’ Public Lecture titled: “Rethinking Tertiary Education in Nigeria through Private Universities for Sustainable Development” on Wednesday.

At the event, Falola addressed the long-standing struggle of Nigerian higher education institutions in gaining worldwide recognition. He asserted that private universities are playing a transformative role in reversing this trend by implementing global best practices, offering internationally accepted courses, and fostering academic partnerships across continents.

“In Nigeria’s educational system, there has been a long-standing struggle toward worldwide recognition,” Falola stated. “For decades, the limitations of our institutions have forced many of our brightest students to seek opportunities abroad. This has contributed to an ongoing brain drain that weakens our intellectual capital and stifles national development.”

According to Falola, private universities are actively changing this narrative by integrating dual-degree programs that allow students to earn globally recognized credentials while studying in Nigeria. “Thanks to the integration of dual-degree programs at some private universities, students have the chance to obtain credentials that meet global standards while still enrolled in Nigerian institutions,” he explained. “This not only lessens the demand for academic migration but also guarantees that Nigeria retains its most brilliant minds, which is critical to our long-term growth.”

He further highlighted that global competitiveness in education requires embracing technology-driven learning. “Private universities are leading the way in including digital learning platforms, virtual labs, and artificial intelligence-driven teaching strategies in their courses,” he said. “By adopting online learning and hybrid classroom approaches, these institutions provide students with a flexible and relevant education that aligns with the demands of a globalized world.”

Falola also underscored the importance of cross-border collaborations, arguing that such initiatives elevate the quality of education while strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in international academia. “Apart from the exposure to foreign faculty members, cross-border research projects, and student exchange programs, the global orientation of Nigeria’s private universities is reinforced even further,” he noted. “These projects not only raise the caliber of graduates but also draw students from other nations, positioning Nigeria to become a rising center for higher education in Africa.”

Beyond improving academic standards, Falola argued that globally competitive private universities contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic reputation. “Countries with strong ecosystems for research and development often lead the way in technical innovation and industrial growth,” he observed. “Private universities are essential to this process because they produce a workforce that is competitive in high-value sectors such as biomedical research, artificial intelligence, and fintech.”

He maintained that if Nigeria aspires to be competitive in the global economy, its educational system must continuously produce graduates who can drive innovation, attract foreign investment, and advance scientific research. “Although private universities are already laying the foundation for this change, their impact can be magnified by strengthening relationships with foreign research institutes, increasing funding for research projects, and promoting private-sector investment in higher education,” he emphasized.

Despite the progress made, Falola acknowledged the challenges that private universities face in achieving full-scale innovation and global competitiveness. “Our universities still generate less research output than those in countries with well-funded research facilities,” he remarked. “Moreover, many private Nigerian universities struggle with high operational costs that limit their ability to expand research initiatives.”




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/private-universities-key-to-global-competitiveness-in-nigerias-education-system-falola/