BREAKING: First-Class graduates, critical thinkers, problem-solvers, say private VCs

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities in Nigeria has affirmed that First-Class graduates from private universities are not only academically excellent but also possess critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative mindsets essential for thriving in today’s dynamic world.

Responding to allegations by the Academic Staff Union of Universities that private universities are producing an excessive number of First-Class graduates, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, acknowledged the growing scrutiny of private universities in this regard. He emphasised that the graduates’ achievements reflect the rigorous academic standards and quality of education provided by these institutions.

Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, who also serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, argued that such perceptions overlook the significant progress private universities have made in providing high-quality education and producing graduates who excel both academically and professionally.

Recently, ASUU expressed concerns over the “increasing numbers of first-class graduates” being produced annually by private universities across Nigeria.

ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, raised the issue during an event organised to honour Prof. Andy Egwunyenga’s successful tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University.

Osodeke warned that if public universities adopted similar practices without proper regulation, it could undermine genuine academic standards and pursuits.

He further noted that many primary and secondary schools now graduate students with excellent grades despite having inadequate foundational knowledge, hinting at broader systemic issues within the educational sector.

In 2024, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, at its 19th convocation ceremony, produced 1,607 students graduate, with 339 first-class graduates. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, graduated 2,842 students including 148 first-class graduates.

Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, celebrated its 13th convocation, producing 60 first-class graduates out of a total of 1,209 students.

On the contrary, the University of Lagos graduated 17,464 students at its 54th convocation including 379 first-class graduates.

Adeyemo addressed ASUU’s concerns, stating, “Private universities in Nigeria are producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative mindsets necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving world. These universities emphasise holistic development, including entrepreneurship, soft skills training, and industry exposure, ensuring their graduates are competitive both locally and internationally.

“Private universities have established rigorous academic standards, supported by a conducive learning environment, adequate facilities, and well-structured curricula. These institutions often prioritise quality education through smaller class sizes, which foster personalised teaching, closer lecturer-student interactions, and effective mentorship. As a result, students in private universities are better positioned to excel academically and beyond.”

“For example, Lead City University, Ibadan, serves as a shining example of the excellence and quality education that private universities in Nigeria provide. Over the years, the university has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic rigour, professional development, and research-driven learning, which have led to remarkable achievements by its students and graduates.

Adeyemo further explained that the achievements of private university graduates—evidenced by their academic awards, performance in law school, professional examinations, and international recognition—validate the quality of education being offered.

He added, “Private universities continue to play a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s education sector and producing graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to both national and global development.”

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Ogun, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, affirmed that there is nothing wrong with awarding First Class degrees to deserving students. He stated, “If all my students worked very hard and deserved the First Class degree, I would not deny any of them. It would be unjust and unfair to deliberately withhold the grades that deserving students have earned.”

Adebayo explained that several factors contribute to the high number of First Class graduates in private universities, including quality teaching, better facilities, and a focus on high-quality teaching and learning. “In private universities, students are taught effectively as lecturers are mandated to attend their classes regularly. They are also closely monitored, which is a stark contrast to public universities, where supervision is either lacking or ineffective.”

In fact, in many public universities, whether a lecturer attends class or not often doesn’t matter; the lecturer chooses which classes to attend. This is not the case in private universities.

“Better facilities and a good learning environment are hallmarks of most private universities. Laboratories, workshops, and a conducive learning atmosphere are typical in private institutions. In contrast, many public universities struggle with dilapidated infrastructure. Where laboratories and workshops are available, they are often inadequately equipped. How many public universities can boast of regular, uninterrupted power supply? This is not the case in most private universities. A visit to Covenant University will confirm these assertions. Over-admission, leading to overcrowded classrooms and lecture halls, is common in public universities.”

Adebayo further emphasised that most private universities have robust ICT facilities and excellent internet access, which significantly enhance learning and student outcomes.

“Private universities maintain stable academic calendars, unaffected by strikes or industrial actions that disrupt learning. This stands in stark contrast to public universities, which frequently experience strikes organised by ASUU and other trade unions. Student victimisation, which often affects academic performance, is less prevalent in private universities but remains a common issue in some public institutions.”

For Professor of Political Science & International Relations at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Babafemi Badejo, emphasised that there was a need for a comprehensive investigative study and not a superficial response, saying a thorough examination was required to address the question of what has been happening to the quality of education over time in Nigeria.

“In the 1970s, Nigerian universities were under British influence. During the 1980s, Nigerian universities began shifting towards the American unit course system. The transition saw a more flexible grading system, including the gradual adoption of continuous and even multiple-choice assessments, among others.”

Badejo said that the shift to the American grading system could partly explain some of the changes observed today.

“Additionally, private universities tend to cater to fewer students. Besides, some are often better funded with modern equipment and access to new books and journals than some of the first-generation public universities. For instance, Covenant University frequently leads in rankings and similar commendations have been made about institutions like Babcock University and Afe Babalola University (ABUAD).”

“It would be interesting to conduct further research into these trends and the unique factors contributing to the successes of these private institutions in beating the older government institutions. It should be borne in mind that scholars from older institutions undertake quality checks in private universities,” he added.