CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Investing in education is widely recognized as a key component of a country’s

development strategy. Governments all over the world devote substantial resources to their

education sector.

In most developing countries education is largely publicly provided. However, the

scarcity of public funds and recent evidence of public school inefficiency calls for an

examination of the dominant role of this study.

It is in this manner that the researcher tends to make “A Comparative Study of Public

and Private Secondary Schools: A Case study of three selected Secondary Schools in Zonkwa,

Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.”

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Private and Public Schools contribute and are still contributing greatly to the

development of a child’s education.

The fact still remain the same that many parents tends to looked down on the public

schools and therefore preferred to send their children/wards to private schools so that they

could have a standard education that helps a child to excel.

1
 In view of that, it has become a concern for the researcher to embark on this study in

other to investigate the roles private and public schools plays in the society or Nigeria at

large.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The study intends to make a comparative study between Public and Private

Secondary Schools in Zonkwa, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The research is also an eye opener for parents or guardians on the choice of a school

for their children/ward in respect to the enhancement of their intellect.

It is a concerned by the researcher that this work will really contribute positively to

the knowledge of whoever will read the work.

1.4. RESEARCH QUESTION

To have an effective study on the topic “A Comparative Study of Public and Private

Secondary Schools: A case Study of three selected Secondary Schools in Zonkwa, Zango

Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the researcher will use the following

questions below to serve as a guide in his writings:

i. Between Private and Public Schools which one is more preferable for educational

development in Nigeria?

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 ii. Do Private Schools are better staffed in (quality and quantity) than the Public

Schools?

iii. It is widely believed that the curriculum of Private and Public schools are

different.

iv. Are their challenges in Private Secondary schools?

v. Who is responsible for the educational development in Nigeria?

vi. Which of the school is better in term of physical facilities?

1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research is of paramount importance to parents and even the children in their

selection of their school to enroll themselves in.

1.6. DELIMITATION

The range of this research work will strictly be limited to some selected schools in

Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State because of financial constraints.

1.7. DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms and phrases are defined according to their usages in this study:

3
Public school: The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines a public school as that

which receives no money from the government and where the education of the students is

paid for by the government.

Education: The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines education as a process of

teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or Colleges, to improve knowledge and

develop skills.

1.8. CONCLUSION

This chapter gives the reader an introduction of the topic under discussion. This study

looked at how parents, teachers and students view public and private secondary schools in

Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The next chapter will introduce the reader to literature written by scholars in regard to

the topic under discussion.

4
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. INTRODUCTION

In contemporary times, so many schools have been established by various groups for

various reasons. There are schools established by Government, while individuals, religious

organizations or groups have also established similar schools for one reason or the other. The

fact however, remains that every school proprietor claims that he has established his school

for the advancement of education in the country.

This chapter intends to make a comparison of private and public secondary schools

and also to bring out what scholars said on the topic. In view of that, the chapter gives the

history of both schools (public and private) schools, the comparison of the schools, the

effectiveness of the schools and the advantages and disadvantages of the schools, and the

conclusion.

2.2. THE HISTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Private schools date back to the schools opened by Catholic Missionaries in Florida

and Louisiana in the sixteenth century, which predated the beginning of formal education in

the Massachusetts. These Catholic Schools were the offspring of missionary zeal (Morris

Abraham, online: accessed on 15th February, 2011).

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 As more Catholics immigrated to the United States in the second half of the 1800s,

Catholic leaders sensed that the most public schools had a Protestant bias. They were

uncomfortable that the King James Version of the Bible was used rather than the Catholic

version. As a result, a separate and private Catholic school developed (Augustine L., Online:

pg. 21, accessed 15th January, 2011).

The distinction between private and public schools, of such importance during the

second half of the Nineteenth century and throughout the Twentieth century, was not an issue

in colonial North America. Schools quite frequently were the product of combine effort of

ecclesiastical and civil authorities, along with parental support, the later often constituting the

primary factor in the schooling of the young.

In Nigeria, moral education dates back to 24th September 1842 with the arrival of

Badagry of the Reverend Thomas Birch Freeman and de Graft of the Wesleyan Missionary

Society (C. O. Taiwo, 1981:6). There are no records to indicate that there were any schools

in the country (in our modern concept of the term “school”) before the 1840s. The first in the

country was that of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) established in the Badagry in

1945. Four years before, Ferguson, a freed slave from Sierra Leon had returned to his native

town of Badagry with very great desire to bring back to his people the “good” that slavery

had given to him-the white man’s culture. For this reason, he prayed his chief to invite

missionaries to come and open schools in the town (Taiwo: 7).

6
 The following year, Freedman, a Methodist, and himself a descendant of an African

slave, answered the call (Okechukwu, 1971:40-41).

2.3. THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS

American public education differs from that of many other nations in that it is

primarily the responsibility of the state and individual school districts.

Then national system of formal education in the United States developed in the 19th

century. Jefferson was the first American leader to suggest creating a public school system.

His idea formed the basis of education systems developed in the 19th Century (Morris

Abraham, Online: accessed on 16th January, 2011).

The most preliminary form of public education was in existence in the 1600s in the
New England colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hemp shire. The
overriding belief on educating the children was more due to religious reasons and was
easy to implement, as the only groups in existence were the puritans and
Congregationalists. However, the influx of people from many countries and
belonging to different faiths led to a weakening of the concept. People refused to
learns only in English and opposed the Clergy imposing their religious views through
public education

Reformers who wanted all children to gain the benefits of education opposed the

issue of private schools knowing that public education system was highly localized and

available to all the people. The common-school reformers argued for the case on the belief

that common schooling could create good citizens unite society and prevent crime and

poverty. As a result of their efforts, free public education at the elementary level was

available for all children by the end of the 19th century.

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 The Catholics by seeing this, they however, opposed to common schooling and

created their own private schools. Their decision was supported by the 1925 Supreme Court

rule in Pierce V. Society of sisters that states could not compel children to attend public

schools instead (http://www.education.org: accessed January 21, 2011).

In Nigeria, the Universal Primary Education (U.P.E) was launched on Monday 6th

September, 1978 by Lt. General Olusegun Obasanjo, the then Head of State, at a simple

ceremony as the Oke Suna Municipal Primary School, Lagos (C.O. Taiwo, 1981:172). He

affirmed that “From that date, primary education will be free and universal throughout the

country while from 1979, it will become compulsory.

2.4. COMPARISM BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

As been introduced in chapter one, that it is a fact that investing in education is

widely recognized as a key component of a country’s development strategy. The school

experience is different for students depending on the institution attended.

In public school there is normally a uniform curriculum that may be enhanced by the

teacher or the mission/focus of the specific school. Private school is similar in that its

educational experience is determined by the school; however, it is not regulated from outside

the school. These varying educational experiences have an effect on the students.

According to Pearman, Valois, Drane and Thatcher the physical activity behaviour in

private and public schools is different. Private school students engaged in more regular

8
exercise while the public school students engaged in more physical education (2001). This

goes to show that the public and private education focuses on different aspects and parents

should be diligent in finding a school that caters to the well rounded educational experience

that works best for the child. Not only does physical activity vary among private and public

education so does the nutrition and weight management behaviours. Private school students

eat more fruit while public school students eat more meat (Pearman, et al., 2000). An

effective learning environment also should include healthy practices such as participating in

physical exercise and eating healthy. According to Jimenez and Lockheed (1995), almost

90% of all primary and 70% of all secondary enrollments in developing countries are in

public schools.

The dominant role of the public sector is usually justified on the basis of several

arguments. For instance, if parents are unable to finance education by borrowing, then,

educational investment in their children may be ob-optimal. A pure private system cannot

function without perfect capital markets. It is also argued that universal education tends to

have an equalizing effect on income distribution and may even compensate for differences in

family background (Arjun S. Bedi and Ashish Garb, 2000: 28).

Aristotle an educationist and a philosopher stated that, the root of education is bitter,

but the fruit is sweet. Therefore, if education is viewed as a normal good, higher income

parents will purchase more education for their children. Without public intervention,

inequality may be passed on to each successive generation.

9
 In developed countries, the debate has centered largely on the relative performance of

public and private school students. For instance Evans and Schwab (1995), Sander (1996).

Figlio and Stone (1997) and Neal (1997) compare the effects of school type on outcomes

such as standardized cognitive achievement tests, the probability of completing high school

and the probability of starting a college. The results from these studies are mixed. Evans and

Schwab (1995) and Neal (1997) find that private also refers as Catholic (i.e. the Christians)

school students are more likely to complete high school. Sander (1996) does not report any

significant private school effects, while Figlio and Stone (1999) compare test scores for

students in public, private non-religious school advantage, but no differences between public

and private school students.

The researcher will like to affirm that cognitive achievement is an important output of

the education process. However, if education is considered an economic, rather than an

academic or a social investment, then earnings differentials will be a more appropriate

indicator of the effectiveness of public versus private schools.

There is evidence that test scores are a short term measure of the effectiveness of

schooling. Carl and Krueger, (1996: 105) reported that, “teachers may train students to

perform well on a particular type of test, without any long-term effects on human capital

skills”. On the other hand, availability of other school inputs may have no short-term run

effects on test scores, but may have a positive influence in the long run.

10
 Therefore, since it is possible that school inputs may have different consequences on

test scores in the short and long run, it would be worthwhile to examine the effect of schools

on long-term out comes.

2.5. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines the term “effective” as producing

the result that is wanted or intended; producing a successful result (2001: 371).

It is a fact that every parent needs a school where they can enroll their children or

ward in order to have a positive outcome. In view of that, the researcher will examine the

effectiveness of private school.

Private schools offer a smaller student to teacher ration than public schools simply

because of the fact that there are fewer students in these schools. The majority of students

attend local public schools. As the public schools become more and more crowded, many

families are choosing the smaller private schools to gain more one on one attention for their

children from the teachers. Private schools also offer more accelerated, college focused

courses and are more intent on honouring their students to go to college. Public schools often

have the philosophy that each student is different and school isn’t for everyone, and students

are pushed in that direction, though they may choose to strive for it on their own.

It is noted that the main reason many parents began to consider a private high school

is because the classes are small. Teacher to student ratios are typically 1:8, class sizes are 10-

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15 students to teacher ratios which is very important and to make your child get a good

education not to get lost in the shuffle and through that your child will get the personal

attention she or he needs and craves.

Another point to consider is that most private schools are fairly small, usually 300-

400 students. That’d much smaller than the typical public school which will have 1,000

students or more (Moraya Kingahoo, Online: accessed on 5th August, 2011).

Regarding their teachers, private school teachers usually have a first degree in their

subject. A high percentage 70-80% will also have a Master’s Degree and/or a terminal

degree. When a private school dean of faculty and head of school hire teachers, they look for

competence in and passion for the subject a candidate will teach. Then they review how the

teacher naturally teaches. Finally, they check out the three or more references from the

candidate’s previous teaching job to ensure that they are hiring the best candidate so that the

students can have a quality education.

The extracurricular activities also contribute positively to the effectiveness of private

school programs as well. Choirs, orchestras, bands and drama clubs can be found in most

schools. Participation, while optimal, is expected. Again, the teacher’s guide or coach

extracurricular activities as part of their job requirements.

One thing is certain, that in private schools the issue of going to strike is absent

because the financial needs and social needs of the teachers are been made hundred percent.

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 One cannot dispute the fact that the academic level of private schools as noted by

many parents is high. Zamani Kafang affirms that it does not matter whether it is a secular or

religious institution; the need for an importance of qualified teachers is the same (2009: 115).

He also added that “A school can have the best and brainy students, a standard library,

standard buildings, and good amenities, but if it does not have teachers who are well

qualified, it will not achieve its desired goal” (116).

There is no doubt that teaching in a private school affords many teachers great

benefits. One will typically have more control over the curriculum although the private

school … might have own their mandates that you have to follow. (Billy Johnson, Online:

accessed on 15th August, 2011).

2.6. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Public schools are operated at the state level through departments of education, and

locally by school districts and publicly elected or appointed school boards.

The issue of excellence and quality assurance in education should be of primary

concern to any society, governments and parents alike (Florence Aduke Adebayo 2009: 2).

Public schools do organized their activities more effectively around academic achievement

objectives. As a result of receiving Federal Funds, public schools follow strictly teacher

certification rules, which do not apply in many private schools. As a result, public school

teachers may, in some cases, be better qualified than private school teachers.

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 In analyzing the effectiveness of public schools Fabusoro Emmanuel attributed that,

“in spite of all the negative things said about public schools, they still repose confidence in

the quality of teachers who teach there” (2008: 29). Femi also added that, they are qualified

in their different fields, be they grade II, NCE, OND, HND or University graduates. They are

mostly full-time teachers with years of experience (Femi Olukunle 2010: 2), and that really

contributes to their effectiveness.

It is certain that 80 percent of children in the private schools have no place in the

private schools, but public schools provide the enabling environment for them because it has

no place for discrimination. By law, public schools must accept all children. In many cases,

enrolling your child involves little more than filing out a few forms and providing proof of

your address to the local school district office. In practice, however, getting your child into

public school of his choice can be much more complicated. In a public school, if you realize

that a child has been denied the rights to qualitative education at a specific period of time,

you have a right to query the authorities concerned.

In public schools, the facilities to be provided is in accordance with the Universal

Basic Education Act of 2004 which makes education compulsory and free for school-age

children up to basic education that is the Junior Secondary School (JSS 3).

Speaking on what the state government is doing to attract more children to public

schools, Adedoja Samuel explained that, “We have started various programs to encourage

14
parents to register their children for the past three months, and to our amazement, enrolment

in public schools have increased drastically in primary and secondary schools” (1998: 21) .

The researcher noted that where you have some public and secondary schools with

poor facilities, it is because of the enrolment ratio that is very high, and in the same vein,

there are some private schools, in spite of their huge fees there facilities are not sufficient for

their students, or even less than the ones in the public schools.

An unknown educationist proudly affirmed that he would rather prefer public school

due to its effectiveness (Online: accessed on 20th July, 2011). He also affirmed that, “I

worked at a private school and see how scores are manipulated and parents exploited. The

school authority did not exploit. The school authority did not allow us to give the kids their

right scores because their kids/wards are performing poor despite several exploitations”.

He recommended that, the only thing about private school is that they could teach your kids

speaking English till day break but what about other subjects?

Regarding the education of a child whether in public or private school, Fafunwa

(1974: 25) noted that:

After all, education is the aggregate of all the process by which a child or young adult
develops the abilities, attitudes and other forms of behaviour which are of positive
value to the society in which he lives, that is to say, it is a process for transmitting
culture in terms of continuity and growth and for disseminating knowledge either to
ensure social control into guarantee rational direction of the society or both.

In line with that is the fact that parents needs to value their children and given them

the better education so that the future of the country can be better.

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2.7. CONCLUSION

The literature review in this chapter has taken a look at the history of private and

public school, the comparison between private and public schools, the effectiveness of

private and public schools.

Therefore, to have a good standard of students, both the two different schools must

adhere to their educational objectives.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. INTRODUCTION

This section is an effort to clearly state the methods used in finding and selecting

information for the study. There are also various techniques a writer adopts suitable for the

study he undertakes (Osuala, 1989:40).

In this study, some library research techniques, which are considered suitable for this

work, are adopted such as research design, population and sample, sampling techniques

instruments used for data collection etc, and this will enable us to make the comparism

between the public and private schools, identity the problems and possible proffer solutions

as it affects the students.

3.2. RESEARCH DESIGN

The study is aimed purposefully in making a comparison of public and private

secondary schools. It also aimed at identifying the problems of the two different schools and

possibly proffers solutions as it affects the students. It involves the use of library, Internet

sources, personal observation, and experiences among the students, parents and even teachers

past experiences in and outside the classroom.

17
3.3. POPULATION AND SAMPLE

Due to financial constraint, the writer will use some selected secondary schools as

sample to represent the entire population of the two different schools which includes the

following:

i. ECWA Christian Academic Zonkwa (ECAZ),

ii. Saint Francis College Zonkwa,

iii. Character Training School Zonkwa,

iv. Government Secondary School Zonkwa,

v. Government Girls Secondary School Zonkwa, and

vi. Government Girls College Zonkwa.

Therefore, the researcher produces ninety (90) questionnaires for all the respondents to

respond. Fifteen (15) for each school; five (5) for each student and ten (10) for teachers and

non-teaching staff or administrators respectively. All are expected to answer the same

questions.

3.4. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

In order not to be sentimental in data collection, the researcher will use random

sampling as the technique for data collection in this study, because it will be appropriate to

get general views of respondents on the subject matter.

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3.5. INSTRUMENTS FOR DATA COLLECTION

In order to collect the relevant data and information necessary for this study, the

researcher will implement or use questionnaires, interview methods, and students/teachers or

parents observation.

3.6. DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUMENTS

The instruments, which include questionnaires, interview methods, and

students/teachers or parents observation would be conducted. The questionnaires for the

respondent's responses will comprise both open and close questions.

The open questions will require the respondents to say what he/she feels on a

particular question while the close question will require choosing from alternatives. The

purpose of the interview is to get personal opinions concerning the subject matter.

3.7. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF INSTRUMENTS

The choice of this research instruments will hopefully make the comparison of public

and private secondary schools in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State,

particularly in Zonkwa to hopefully bring lasting solutions to parents on the choice of school

for their children/wards. The instruments to be used will therefore provide logical objective

and authentic information that can be trusted or dependable in the study of the subject matter.

19
3.8. PROCEDURES FOR DATA COLLECTION

In order to collect all relevant data for analysis in this research work, the researcher

will draw questions for responses and personal interview for opinions. Examples of questions

to be asked, among others, are as follows:

i. It is widely believed that the Curriculum of private and public school is different.

ii. Public schools and private schools funding are different.

iii. Do private schools perform better than public schools academically?

iv. Who is responsible for the educational development in Nigeria?

v. Between public and private schools which one is more preferable for educational

development in Nigeria?

vi. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools?

3.9. METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

The researcher will use percentage and table in analyzing the data collected. The

formula to be used is thus:

E X 100 = F X 100 = %
N N
Where N = Total number of respondents

F = Total number of frequency

X = Multiplication sign

% = Percentage

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 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter attempts to present, analyze and interpret all collected data for better

understanding.

4.2. DATA COLLECTION

The writer employed or mostly used questionnaires at random for data collection in

the six schools, that is three (3) Private schools and three (3) Public schools all secondary

schools as the case study. Ninety (90) questionnaires were distributed, fifteen (15) for each

school, five (5) for each teaching and non-teaching staff, and ten (10) for the students

respectively. However, 90 questionnaires were returned with 30 for both teaching and non-

teaching staff and 60 for students respectively.

The writer therefore analyzed and interpreted the data thus:

Question One: It is wisely believed that the Curriculum of private and public schools is

different.

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 60 66.7%
Disagreed 30 33.3%
Total 90 100%

21
 The findings above revealed that the Curriculum of public and private schools are

different.

Therefore, to have a meaningful learning the curriculum, it is suggested that both of

the two schools must be the same.

Question Two: Public schools and private school funding are different:

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 78 86.7%
Disagreed 12 13.3%
Total 90 100%

From the above table, it is a fact that public and private school funding are different

whereby only the wealthy people can afford to enroll their children/ward in the private

school.

Looking at the indispensability of education now, the writer wishes to say here that

nothing good comes easy, as an adage says “better soup na money kill-am,” which means for

one to have a good and quality education he or she should get ready to spend a lot of money.

Question Three: Are public schools more populous than the private school?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 82 91.1%
No 8 8.9%
Total 90 100%

22
 The fact above proves that public schools are more populous than the private school,

because it is free. Despite the fact that there are some public schools that do collect money

from its students as school fees, but it is not much like the private school.

Question Four: Do private schools perform better than public schools academically?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 83 93%
No 7 7%
Total 90 100%

From the above table, it is certain that private schools perform better than public

schools academically because some respondents affirmed that there are lots of challenges and

discipline in the private schools.

The researcher has noted that the private schools have a lot of good facilities that will

force the students and teachers to be more effective. Some of the facilities are good

laboratories for the science class, foot ball field, Volley ball curt etc. for the students during

leisure time.

Question Five: Are there challenges in private secondary schools?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 90 100%
No 0 0%
Total 90 100%

23
 From the above table, it is open that all the respondents agreed that there are

challenges in private schools in both the teachers and the students.

One challenge on the side of the teachers is that there is regular supervision which

promotes effectiveness. If any staff is found inactive, he will be dismissed and another active

teacher will be brought in.

Question Six: Are there challenges in Public secondary schools?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 21 23.3%
No 69 76.7%
Total 90 100%

From the above table, 21 respondents agreed that there are a lot of challenges in

Public schools, while 69 disagree that there is no challenges in Public school, therefore that

has create an opportunity for the government to intervene and help the school to employ

more qualitative staff.

Question Seven: Public schools have advantages more than the private schools in terms of its

performance.

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 27 30%
Disagreed 63 70%
Total 90 100%

24
 On the above table, 63 respondents disagreed with the statement that public schools

have advantages more than the private schools in terms of its performance.

It is argued by some respondents that public schools have qualified teachers but they

are not giving out what is expected to be given to the students which always affect the

educational development of the students.

Question Eight: Who is responsible for the educational development in Nigeria?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

The Government 85 95%
The Proprietor 1 1%
The Parents 2 2%
All of the Above 2 2%
Total 90 100%

Based on the results displayed in the table above, 85 respondents strongly affirmed that it is

the responsible of the government for the educational development in Nigeria, while 1 said it

is the responsibility of the proprietor, then 2 also attributed that it is the parents

responsibilities, and finally 2 also affirmed that it is the duty of all listed agencies.

Therefore, one can never disputes the fact that it is the government responsibility to

enhance good education because both the public and the private are under the government,

whereby when a private school is to be established, it is the government that the proprietor

will first meet, not the parents for approval or giving of license, and it is the responsibility of

the government to always supervise either quarterly or twice a year.

25
Question Nine: Private schools are better in terms of physical facilities.

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 47 52.2%
Disagreed 43 47.8%
Total 90 100%

The above table shows that 47 respondent’s agreed that private schools are better than

public schools in terms of their physical facilities.

Question Ten: It is more costly to pursue education in a private school.

Option No of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 88 97.8%
Disagreed 2 2.2%
Total 90 100%

From the above table, it is vividly affirmed that it is costly to pursue education in a

private school and that proved that those that can afford to enroll their children/wards in the

private school are the well to do families. It is suggested that the amount paid should be

reduced to the barest minimum so that the less privileged can afford.

Question Eleven: Can the problems of public schools be solved?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 85 94.4%
No 5 5.6%
Total 90 100%

26
 The above table vividly affirmed that the problems of public schools can be solved. It

is only 5 out of 90 that said no that the problems can never be solved. Therefore, the 85

respondents strongly contributed that it is only the government that can solve all the

problems because the school is owned and controlled by the government not an individual.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to recruit well trained teachers, have a

good laboratory for the science students, a good library with up-to-date books, good

curriculum that will enhance meaningful learning.

Question Twelve: Private are better staffed (in quality and quantity) than the public schools.

Option schools No. of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 41 45.6%
Disagreed 49 54.4%
All of the above 0 0
Total 90 100%

From the table above, 49 respondents disagreed that private schools are better staffed

(in quality and quantity) than the public schools, because in the public schools, teachers are

well trained in which the least among them is just an Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE)

while some have Masters Degree in various fields of their choice while others PhD.

The only problem that makes the private school to perform better than the public

schools to some respondents is just because the teachers in the public schools are not

committed to their work.

27
Questions Thirteen: Which of the schools do you prefer?

Option No. of Respondents Percentage

Public school 23 25.6%
Private school 67 74.4%
Total 90 100%

The above table shows that 67 respondents preferred private schools than the public

schools because there are lots of academic challenges. Teachers are committed in their duties,

while students are also committed and also ready to learn and couples with the discipline

been placed to the students by the teachers.

Question Fourteen: Private school have a conducive environment for a better learning.

Option No. Of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 90 100%
Disagreed 0 0%
Total 90 100%

From the above table, all the respondents agreed that the environment of the private

schools really contributes a lot in promoting their learning skills or ability.

Question Fifteen: Students in the private schools clear their papers (WAEC/NECO) more

than the public schools.

Option No. Of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 70 77.8%
Disagreed 20 22.2%
Total 90 100%

28
 The table above vividly portrayed that the private schools cleared their papers with

more distinction more than the public schools.

Question Sixteen: Public schools are more discipline than the private schools.

Option No. Of Respondents Percentage

Agreed 49 54.4%
Disagreed 41 45.6%
Total 90 100%

From the table above, 49 agreed that private schools are more discipline than the

public schools, while 41 disagreed that public schools are more discipline than the private

schools.

The researcher interviewed some teachers, parents and students with theses questions:

i. Between public and private schools which one is more preferable for educational

development in Nigeria?

ii. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools?

iii. What are the advantages and disadvantages of public schools?

The following below were the responses:

Majority of those interviewed strongly affirmed that public school is more preferable

for educational development in Nigeria. They strongly affirmed that it is the government that

is strictly responsible for the development, funding and welfare of the school. Another

person who disclosed his name said that public schools should be encouraged and

29
strengthened in Nigerian educational system. This is because not everybody can afford the

cost of sending his child/ward to private school, more so now the owners or proprietors of

private schools are only concerned with making profit rather than improving the standard.

Another point is that there are well trained teachers in public schools and well

furnished laboratories. In fact, it is well known that most of the problems encountered in the

public schools are solved by the government not the principal of the school nor the teachers.

On the other hand, some preferred private schools for the educational development in Nigeria.

It is substantially true that public schools are better staffed than private schools, but public

schools cannot contribute significantly to the educational development in Nigeria due to the

fact that most of their staffs are not serious in taking their responsibilities.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools.

4.2.1 Advantages

i. Private schools, by their very definition, are selective. They are not obligated to

accept every child, so getting admitted may involve in-depth applications with

multiple interviews, essays, and testing. Because private schools define the identity of

their communities, they often pick and choose between candidates based not only on

their scholastic achievement but also their ethnicity and religious background as well

as the special attributes (or assets) of their parents.

ii. Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by provincial

curriculum; they can offer students a wide range of specializations including arts

30
 programs, athletics, math, science. Private schools are responsible for producing

many leaders in politics, business and society, with a history of adapting quickly to

changes in technology and culture. And today, they also sought by parents of kids

with special needs such as behaviour problems or learning disabilities. “This school

really helps you to focus and think about your future and how you want your life to

be” (Caroline Maga; 2011: 57).

iii. The teachers are committed to their duties post. Students who receive private

schooling have a lower drop out rate, experience fewer drug problems, and report less

violence. They also tend to have higher scores on standardized tests and college

entrance exams. On of the most important advantages of private schools is that by

percentage, more of their students go on to college (Sherry Holetzky: 2004).

iv. Private schools are more focused and dedicated to the education of children. Teachers

in private schools often earn more and can be more dedicated when working with

parents who are as equally dedicated to their children.

v. Private school encourages positive competition among students and schools.

vi. There is regular supervision of staff, which promotes effectiveness.

vii. Students go out on excursion.

4.2.2 Disadvantages

i. Are not keen on teachers promotion at the job

31
 ii. Teachers benefit at the end of service is not a priority

iii. Do not make provisions for their employees to update their knowledge

iv. Over usage of staff due to scarcity of staff

v. Private school is more expensive

vi. Poor salaries in some of the schools.

4.2.3 Advantages of public school

As far as enrollment among students all over the globe is concerned recent surveys

revealed that almost 70 percent of the students are enrolled in the public schools because of

free tuition fees. In fact, parents have already entrusted their students in most public high

schools because of this fact

i. Public schools are run by the government. All of the public schools are run by the

government and are usually giving free tuition fee for students. This is one of the

main reasons why students, especially from average families usually prefer public

schools rather than the private schools.

ii. Minimize expenses for parents- Since the government is subsidizing the cost for the

benefit of the parents which cannot afford high tuition fees, the parents’ burden of

supporting their children are also cut down. The parents managed to send their

children to school because they can afford the expenses.

iii. Government school reached far areas- One of the reasons why many students enroll

in government schools because the schools have reached the barangays. Even in the

32
 mountains you can find many public schools. For this reason, government schools are

more visible in the barangays than the private schools. Since, the parents cannot

afford to send their children in private schools in the neighbouring cities they prefer

their children to enroll only at their community. At least they are near with the family

and they will be able to assist their children’s needs and wants such as school projects

and all other contribution.

iv. Methods of instruction competitive-Although the government cannot fully

complement the need for more classrooms and teachers due to lack of budget for

education they still see to it that the children are given the proper education they want.

v. A study by Finger and Schlesser hypothesized public school students will do better in

school than the private school students. The reason is based on the idea that the public

school students “…are more rigorously selected for admission” and has more

motivation (1963). Motivation is critical for students according to Salvin (2006:35).

The Finger and Schlesser study found that public school students did obtain better

grades in schools than the private school students.

4.2.4 Disadvantages

i. Irregular supervision which result to ineffectiveness and carelessness among staffs

and students as well

33
 ii. There is no effective check and balance in terms of academic performance of the

students

iii. Most of the books in the libraries are outdated

iv. Constant transfers of staff

v. Inadequate supply of learning materials.

vi. Over crowding of students in a class.

4.3. CONCLUSION

Chapter four presented and analyzed the data collected from the respondents. This

analysis was also able to point out some factors that led some parents and children preferred

private schools rather than the public schools. This leads us to the next chapter five (5).

34
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR

FURTHER STUDY

5.1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter focuses on the summary of all the findings, conclusion and

recommendation for further studies and possible solutions.

5.2. SUMMARY

The research work is on the topic: “The comparative study of public and private

secondary schools” which was conducted in some selected secondary schools in Zonkwa,

Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The purpose of this research has been to find out or to compare the public and private

secondary schools and to see why some parents or guardians preferred to enroll their

children/wards in the private schools rather than the public schools.

The research also focused on factors responsible for the poor performance in both the

two schools. Such factors are: the differences in curriculum which it was affirmed that the

government should try and make the curriculum the same so that both schools can have the

same out-put, funding is another problem that the private schools are facing because the

don’t sometimes collects support from the government like the public school which the

sponsorship is directly from their government, unseriousness from the teachers to the

35
students which always results to poor performance academically, the government also needs

to produce good materials that is up-to-date materials that the staff and students can used for

their research work. The researcher gathered information through the use of written

questionnaire, interview, and also used his personal library, internet sources, and the data

was presented and analyze by used of tables.

The researcher concluded by making a conclusion, with some recommendation and

possible solutions.

5.3. CONCLUSION

This work has made the comparison of public and private secondary school and by

providing the reasons why some parents preferred to enroll their children/wards in the private

school rather than the public school.

5.4. RECOMMENDATION

On the basis of the research findings, the following recommendations were made:

1. Government should maintain the standard of academic performance by employing

qualified and professional teachers to teach in our secondary schools.

2. Government should make effort to emulate the management and supervision system

of developed countries who designed quality activity and requirements that are

consistent with the ever changing intellectual, social and physical development of the

36
 child. Subsidies should be provided through a voucher system to allow more wiling

parents to send their children to private schools, and that will make learning more

comfortable to students, by also improving the availability of facilities needed in the

schools and its structure. And they should also give grant if possible to students for

motivation such as scholarship.

3. Government should increase more technical schools among others, as a means of

encouraging students to make a right choice of their career based on their ability and

area of specialization.

4. Government should make the curriculum of public and private school the same. The

curriculum implementation should be targeted and student-specific schools. Public

schools managers are encouraged to learn from the best practices of private secondary

schools such an attractive option for both students and parents. A more transparent

financial system should be put in place at public schools leading to greater efficiency

in resources utilization.

5. The goal of public school education should be diversified to cater for non-academic

outcomes such as good social skills, good morals and possession of technical skills.

Private schools should be encouraged to maintain their level of excellence through

better system of control and regulation.

6. Public schools should be encouraged to organize their activities more effectively

around academic achievement objectives in order to improve performance. Efforts

37
 should be made at improving infrastructural facilities in public schools through an

integrated program of renovation reconstruction and maintenance of existing school

facilities. A decongestion program should be undertaken through construction of new

schools and expansion of existing schools in areas where enrolment outweighs

available facilities.

7. Teachers should be faithful in performing and carrying out their responsibilities as

expected, and they should also be good models, by living an exemplary life to

students, worthy of emulation.

8. Teachers need to be flexible toward the students, so that they can interact freely with

them.

9. Parents should make sure they carry out their responsibilities toward their children by

providing their school fees and other school materials.

10. Parents should contribute their quarter to the success of their children in secondary

schools, through Parents Teachers Association (P.T.A) meetings, by a way of co-

operating with staff and given advice on how to control and discipline the students.

11. Students should be serious and dedicated to their studies for future career. The should

not involve themselves in some dubious acts such as drug abuse, following bad

companies.

12. Students should be careful not to cause damage of some school facilities and

equipments that are useful to them and others to come.

38
 13. Schools be located in areas that they will be easily accessible to students since some

students are far from where the attend schools.

14. Creative activities need to be emphasis to create opportunities for students to be

creative.

15. In-service training for teachers should be encouraged and be given the opportunity for

them.

16. Good remuneration for teachers and their welfare will be of help.

5.5. SUGGESTION

The researcher is suggesting that, such a work should be carried out from the Nursery,

Primary, Secondary and even to the Higher level of education to see the factors that causes

parents to enroll their children in the private schools rather than the public schools.

39
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44
 APPENDIX

ECWA Theological Seminary,

P.M.B 35, Kagoro,
Kaduna State,
July 11, 2011.
Dear Respondent,

REQUEST FOR THE COMPLETION OF A QUESTIONNAIRE

The writer of this questionnaire is an undergraduate of ECWA Theological Seminary,

Kagoro, Kaduna State. He is conducting a research on the topic: “A Comparative Study of

Public and Private Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Three selected Secondary Schools in

Zonkwa, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.” The writer has designed

the questionnaire in two sections, requesting you to help in answering the questions correctly.

Section “A” is for you to tick in your answer in the space provided for each question; while

section “B” has to do with the main questions regarding the research work which you are

expected to write your personal view on the questions provided.

Thanks for giving me your attention.

Yours faithfully,

Iliya Makoshi.

45
 Section A

1. It is wisely believed that the curriculum of private and public school is different,

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

2. Public schools and private schools funding are different.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

3. Are public schools more populous than the private schools?

(a) Yes (b) No

4. Do private schools perform better than public schools academically?

(a) Yes (b) No

5. Are there challenges in private secondary schools?

(a) Yes (b) No

6. Are there challenges in public secondary schools?

(a) Yes (b) No

7. Public schools have advantages more than public schools in terms of its performance.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

7. Who is responsible for the educational development in Nigeria?

(a) The government (b) The proprietor (c) The parents

(d) All of the above

8. Private schools are better in terms of physical facilities.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

46
10. It is more costly to pursue education in a private school.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

11. Can the problem of public school be solved?

(a) Yes (b) No

12. Do private schools are better staffed (in quality and quantity) than the public schools?

(a) Yes (b) No

13. Which of the school do you preferred?

(a) Public school (b) Private school

14. Private schools have a conducive environment for learning.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

15. Students in the Private schools clear their papers (WAEC/NECO) more than the

Public schools.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

16. Public schools are more discipline than the private schools.

(a) Agreed (b) Disagreed

47
 Section B

Please write your personal view on the following questions below:

1. Between public and private schools which one is more preferable for educational

development in Nigeria? Give your own opinion.

2. What are the advantages of public schools?

3. What are the advantages of private schools?

48