Non-Profit Privatization of the Management of Nigerian Public Schools: A Legal and Policy Analysis

The objective of this article is to analyse critically a government proposal to privatize the management of federally-run secondary schools in Nigeria. Although they have performed relatively well over the years, recent problems have led to a decline in academic standards in these schools. The article examines the potential merits and demerits of the proposed public-private partnership with a view to assessing whether the partnership can add value to the current public model. Although the analysis falls short of endorsing the proposed reform, the article recommends its phased implementation subject to the application of specific legal and practical considerations. It argues that there are enforceable limits to changes in secondary education policy and that the government has an obligation progressively to implement free and compulsory secondary education. It also highlights a number of practical matters meant to ensure that the best interests of any affected children will be taken into account.