THE
DEVELOPMENT OF
HIGHER
EDUCATION IN
NIGERIA
Name: Efe Joys Oyemwenosa
Department: curriculum and Instructional Technology
Course Area: Mathematics education
Course Title: History of education
Course code: EDU111
Level: 100lv
, 1.0 Introduction
Higher education plays a very important role in the development of every nation. It provides
advanced knowledge, professional training, and research opportunities that contribute to
economic growth and social development. In Nigeria, the development of higher education
did not occur suddenly but evolved gradually through different historical stages.
During the colonial period, opportunities for higher education within Nigeria were very
limited. Most Nigerians who wished to pursue university education had to travel abroad,
especially to Britain. This situation made higher education accessible only to a small number
of Nigerians who could afford the cost of overseas education.
As a result, Nigerian nationalists began to demand the establishment of universities within the
country. Their efforts eventually led to the establishment of higher education institutions and
the expansion of university education in Nigeria.
The development of higher education in Nigeria was influenced by several important factors
such as nationalism, the recommendations of educational commissions, and government
policies aimed at promoting national development.
2.0 Nationalism and the Demand for Universities in Nigeria
The rise of Nigerian nationalism during the colonial period played an important role in the
demand for higher education in the country. Nigerian nationalists believed that education was
necessary for political independence, economic development, and social progress.
As more Nigerians became educated through missionary and colonial schools, the desire for
university education increased rapidly. However, there were no universities in Nigeria at that
time. Students who wished to pursue higher education were required to travel abroad,
particularly to Britain.
1
DEVELOPMENT OF
HIGHER
EDUCATION IN
NIGERIA
Name: Efe Joys Oyemwenosa
Department: curriculum and Instructional Technology
Course Area: Mathematics education
Course Title: History of education
Course code: EDU111
Level: 100lv
, 1.0 Introduction
Higher education plays a very important role in the development of every nation. It provides
advanced knowledge, professional training, and research opportunities that contribute to
economic growth and social development. In Nigeria, the development of higher education
did not occur suddenly but evolved gradually through different historical stages.
During the colonial period, opportunities for higher education within Nigeria were very
limited. Most Nigerians who wished to pursue university education had to travel abroad,
especially to Britain. This situation made higher education accessible only to a small number
of Nigerians who could afford the cost of overseas education.
As a result, Nigerian nationalists began to demand the establishment of universities within the
country. Their efforts eventually led to the establishment of higher education institutions and
the expansion of university education in Nigeria.
The development of higher education in Nigeria was influenced by several important factors
such as nationalism, the recommendations of educational commissions, and government
policies aimed at promoting national development.
2.0 Nationalism and the Demand for Universities in Nigeria
The rise of Nigerian nationalism during the colonial period played an important role in the
demand for higher education in the country. Nigerian nationalists believed that education was
necessary for political independence, economic development, and social progress.
As more Nigerians became educated through missionary and colonial schools, the desire for
university education increased rapidly. However, there were no universities in Nigeria at that
time. Students who wished to pursue higher education were required to travel abroad,
particularly to Britain.
1
