Neoliberalism and the University: An Analysis of Patterns of Transformation within Nigerian Private and Public Institutions

This study explores the dynamics surrounding neoliberal transformation of higher education in Nigeria. Chapter Through this study, I apply an analytic framework that focuses on the introduction of market-based principles and practices across three key dimensions (governance structures, pedagogy and curriculum, and student and staff expectations), and highlight the differences and similarities between public and private universities. The observed dynamics show an overarching similarity in patterns of neoliberalisation across public and private universities, but a few crucial differences. Overall, neoliberalisation of higher education in Nigeria broadly coheres with visions presented in existing scholarship of ‘the neoliberal university’, albeit with national characteristics. These findings extend understanding of the university within the neoliberal context by highlighting similarities across private and public sector transformations, and the importance of existing institutions and structures in shaping national varieties and pathways of neoliberalisation