Revitalizing quality higher education in Nigeria: options and strategies.

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of quality of education in Nigeria. The paper recognizes quality of education as one of the most widely used and spoken of concept in Nigeria, although, very little or no unanimity with regard to its meaning has been reached. This is essentially true in higher education as compared to industry where clearly definable products with quantifiable qualities exist. The 'product' of higher education is intangible and the customer very difficult to identify. However, in Nigeria today, there is mounting concern about the state of schooling at all levels. This is rooted in the realization that literacy levels and academic achievement will determine individual's job attainment and earning as well as the general economic well-being of the society. Moreover, the quality of life in the society will be affected by the level and quality of social skills acquired in schools. It is in line with this that the paper looks at the various issues bordering on quality of higher education in Nigeria and suggests different options and strategies which can be used to improve the quality of education, especially, at the university level. Thus, the following questions will be answered in the paper: How is quality perceived? Can it be measured? What is the interrelationship between internal and external assessment procedures? How can schools deal with quality improvement and development within the context of Total Quality Management (TQM)? Introduction Today, more than ever before in human history, the wealth or poverty of nations depends on the quality of higher education. Those with a larger repertoire of skills and a greater capacity for learning can look forward to lifetimes of unprecedented economic fulfillment. While in the coming decades the poorly educated face little better than the dreary (dull and unexciting) prospects of lives of quiet desperation. Malcolm Gillis, President of Rise University, 12 Feb., 1999.