Higher Education in Developing Nations: Issues and Challenges in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper looked at challenges and coping-initiatives of higher education in Nigeria. The paper noted education as the threshold of any country’s development, such that it influences and moderates the level and dimensions of development in a nation. Also, it stressed higher education to include all types of studies or trainings at post-secondary level, provided by the Universities or other educational establishments that are approved as institutions of higher learning by competent state authorities. Such institutions include Universities, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, Monotechnics, including those institutions offering correspondence courses. The paper looked at the roles of higher education among others as to contribute to national development through high level manpower training, developing the intellectual capability of individuals to understand and appreciate their local and external environments etc. Furthermore, the study identified some operational constraints to higher education as political interference, inadequate funding of higher education and brain-drain syndrome among others. Considering the complexity of man with respect to the fact that being either an extrovert (social) or introvert (withdrawn) primarily determines his behavior and in turn drives his choice for course of study, job fitness and marital stability. In conclusion, the paper stressed autonomy of higher institutions in Nigeria and improved staff welfare/remuneration to mention but few as the coping initiatives for higher education in Nigeria. The study recommended conducive environment, and supportive atmosphere should be provided for staff and students in higher institutions.