The purpose of this study was to place in historical framework, the development of higher education in Nigeria from 1960 to 1980. The more specific purpose of the study was to trace the growth and expansion of Nigerian universities from 1960 to 1980. The study also examined the forces which led to the expansion of university education facilities in Nigeria, as well as the role of the Military Governments in Nigerian university development.
This was a historical research study. The information was obtained through documentary research and a review of available literature relative to Nigerian higher education at the university level. Information was gathered from several areas of Nigeria, England, and the United States.
The study indicated that each of the thirteen Nigerian universities has its unique historical background and distinctive mission and philosophy. Nsukka adopted the land grant concept of the American higher education; Ife adopted the cultural concept, while Lagos adopted the urban concept.
The five post-independence universities which were established before or by 1962 were relatively better planned than the eight post Civil War universities which were established in the decade of the seventies. Nigerian university development climaxed in 1975 when a total of seven universities were established in one year. This was a period of astronomical investment in Nigerian higher education. It was also a period when Nigeria enjoyed a favorable climate of relative prosperity in her economy.
The following conclusions were drawn from the study: (1) The present Nigerian system of higher education was based on the recommendations of the Ashby Commission. (2) Before the attainment of political independence in 1960, Nigeria had only one university, namely, the Ibadan University College which was affiliated with the University of London. (3) Between 1960 and 1980, Nigeria established a total of thirteen full-fledged, autonomous universities. (4) The Nigerian university system is highly centralized. (5) Politics and regional competition played important parts in the development of Nigerian universities. (6) The military governments meddled in the affairs of the Nigerian universities and this led to the erosion of university autonomy.
