I WAS having a conversation with my brother, who was in the middle of his exams, about how he’s almost done for the semester. In the midst of our discussion, someone else joined us and remarked how quickly they were progressing. My brother, puzzled, asked, “Fast, how?”
Initially, it was his JAMB score that kept him from gaining admission into the university, forcing him to wait an extra year. Just as things were looking up, COVID-19 came, delaying everything further. Then came the strike — another year at home before he finally gained admission. Yet, some people seem to think that students these days graduate earlier than expected, how?
As the conversation continued, I mentioned xyz, who is currently in his third year at a private university, studying a medical-related course. My brother was taken aback. He said, they started seven months after us. That’s when we started discussing how some private universities operate at a different pace. For example, in these institutions, you can pay to retake failed courses – no carryovers or spill-overs.
Some are breezing through with pay-per-fail options, while others are dealing with the real grind. But can we talk about carrying over eight courses?
My brother narrated how one of his friends, enrolled in one of these leading private universities, had failed eight courses but wasn’t overly concerned. Initially, each retake cost him N50,000 per course. However, to his surprise, the price was recently raised to N150,000 per course. I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Eight courses? That’s unheard of in a federal university!
As I thought back to my own experience, particularly under the strict handling of Dr. Naniya, I realized just how fortunate I was. That was my first and last carryover, I couldn’t bear another taunting experience — Professors in federal universities can be tough and thanks to the pressure that left no room for failure. This strictness can be intimidating but also invaluable in ensuring we – his students develop resilience, self-discipline, and critical thinking skills.
For students in these private universities, academic failure isn’t just a setback — it’s a financial burden. In contrast, federal universities, while not immune to their own pressures, generally do not operate on this pay-per-fail system, although their rigid academic systems can make failure a more stressful experience.
University life is a transformative journey for most students,the journey is a hurdle in itself, full of academic challenges, personal growth, and, often, the pursuit of a brighter future. However, the experience can vary significantly depending on whether one attends a private or federal institution.
Today, it’s my pleasure to delve into the unique challenges of both types of universities, focusing on the authenticity of the knowledge acquired and the common misconceptions about the quality of education in private institutions compared to their federal counterparts.
As you are passing through university, university also passes through you. One of the many challenges students face is gaining admission. For students in Nigeria, this often means navigating the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam, WAEC, NECO and post ÜTME. One can score 200 in jamb and utme will stop him from getting admission that year. The pressure to perform well is immense, and a low score can delay a student’s academic journey for a year or more.
This wait is also compounded by strikes, political instability, and, more recently, global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further prolonged academic timelines.
For some students, particularly those applying to federal universities, these delays can feel like a test of endurance. No not feel like, it is indeed a test of patience and perseverance and everything in between. On the other hand, private institutions, though more expensive, offer faster routes to enrollment. BUT, this swift admission process can come with its own challenges.
A key concern for many when choosing between private and federal universities is the perceived quality and authenticity of the education provided. Federal universities, with their long-standing reputations and established curriculums, are often viewed as the gold standard in the academic world. Their curricula are regulated by national bodies, and their professors are typically highly experienced, often contributing to research in their fields.
I will continue next week. Please, follow the case.
- Kabara, is a writer and public commentator. Her syndicated column, Voice, appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays. She can be reached on hafceekay01@gmail.com.
