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The McDonaldization of Nigerian Universities

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  • Emeka W. Dumbili

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which the deregulation of Nigerian higher education (HE) has facilitated the McDonaldization of the universities. University education in Nigeria commenced in 1948 with the establishment of the University College, Ibadan. After independence in 1960, subsequent governments expanded the number of universities, a policy based on a lack of quality manpower in leadership positions created by the exit of British officials and the need to grant access to an increasing number of prospective students. In the 1970s, the number of universities increased accompanied by a decline in infrastructure, funding, and working conditions. This resulted in several strikes and an exodus of academics to other countries. Instead of tackling the problems, the federal government shifted responsibilities by approving private ownership of universities in 1999 and by establishing the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2001. Against this backdrop, this article critically analyzes how some of these reforms facilitated the McDonaldization of Nigerian universities. The article reveals how this has resulted in an overloading of responsibilities on the faculty, erosion of academic autonomy, a prioritization of quantity over quality of publications, and an assumption of “customer†status by students. The article uses evidence from McDonaldized HE in Western countries to discuss the implications of these developments and suggests some remedial measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Emeka W. Dumbili, 2014. "The McDonaldization of Nigerian Universities," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(2), pages 21582440145, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:4:y:2014:i:2:p:2158244014529780
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244014529780
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric Margolis, 2004. "The McDonaldization of Higher Education," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 75(3), pages 368-370, May.
    2. Chris Willott, 2011. "“Get to the bridge and I will help you to cross”: Merit, Personal Connections and Money in Access to Nigerian Higher Education," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 46(1), pages 85-108.
    3. Okuwa O.B., 2004. "Private returns to higher education in Nigeria," Working Papers 139, African Economic Research Consortium, Research Department.
    4. Lee, Kiong Hock, 1988. "Universal primary education: An African dilemma," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 16(12), pages 1481-1491, December.
    5. Emeka W. Dumbili, 2013. "McDonaldization and Job Insecurity," SAGE Open, , vol. 3(2), pages 21582440134, June.
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