The history of education in Nigeria is a dynamic tale of colonial legacy, policy shifts, infrastructural challenges, and bold reforms. From the missionary-led schools of the early 1900s to the digital learning innovations of the 21st century, Nigeria’s education system has undergone profound changes.

While some progress has been made, statistics reveal a system often plagued by inequality, underfunding, and regional disparity. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of education in Nigeria between the 20th and 21st centuries, highlighting key statistics and developments.

Early Developments: Nigerian Education in the 20th Century

Missionary and Colonial Influence

Education in Nigeria during the early 20th century was primarily influenced by Christian missionaries and British colonial authorities.

Western-style education was introduced through missionary schools, with little coordination from the colonial government. By 1920, there were about 3,000 primary schools and fewer than 30 secondary schools serving the entire country.

Limited Access and Regional Disparities

Access to education was heavily skewed toward the southern regions, where missionaries had more influence. In contrast, Northern Nigeria maintained Islamic education systems and was reluctant to embrace Western education. By 1952, literacy rates in the South had reached 41%, compared to just 6% in the North, according to colonial education reports.

Expansion in the Post-Independence Era

After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s new government prioritized expanding access to education. Key milestones in the late 20th century include:

The Universal Primary Education (UPE) program launched in 1976, aimed at free primary education for all.

The number of primary schools rose from about 15,000 in 1960 to over 40,000 by 1980.

Enrollment in primary schools increased from 3 million in 1970 to over 13 million by 1990.

However, dropout rates remained high, especially among girls and rural children.

Despite expansion, the quality of education declined during the 1980s economic downturn. Poor infrastructure, unpaid teachers, and political instability slowed progress. By the end of the century, adult literacy stood at around 57%, according to UNESCO data from 1999.

The 21st Century: Growth, Challenges, and Technology

The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act of 2004

In 2004, Nigeria introduced the Universal Basic Education Act, mandating 9 years of free and compulsory basic education (6 years primary, 3 years junior secondary). The program aimed to reduce illiteracy and increase school participation.

By 2015, primary school enrollment reached over 27 million, a significant jump from the 20th century. However, a report from the Nigerian Education Management Information System (NEMIS) noted that only 64% of children who begin primary school complete it.

Literacy Rate Improvements

According to UNESCO and the World Bank, Nigeria’s adult literacy rate rose from 57% in 2000 to 77% in 2020. Youth literacy (ages 15–24) also improved significantly, especially among urban populations.

However, gender and regional gaps persist:

In the North East, female literacy in 2021 was estimated at 47%, compared to 85% in the South West.

The gender parity index improved nationally but still lags in rural areas.

Tertiary Education and University Growth

The 21st century saw a massive expansion of higher education institutions:

In 2000, Nigeria had over 40 universities.

By 2024, there are more than 260 tertiary institutions, including federal, state, and private universities, according to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Enrollment in tertiary institutions grew from 400,000 in 2000 to over 2 million in 2023, but funding challenges, frequent strikes, and overcrowding limit quality. According to NUC, the student-lecturer ratio in some federal universities exceeds 100:1, far above the global average.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-learning platforms, but gaps remain in internet access and digital literacy:

Only 36% of Nigerians had access to reliable internet as of 2022.

Private schools in urban areas were more likely to adopt digital learning, while most public schools could not transition.

Government and NGOs are promoting radio education, mobile apps, and solar-powered learning hubs in underserved communities. Platforms like U-Learn Nigeria and SchoolGate.ng are helping bridge the digital divide.

Conclusion

From missionary classrooms to mobile learning, Nigeria’s education system has evolved dramatically from the 20th to the 21st century. Statistical trends show major gains in access and literacy, but persistent challenges—such as funding, equity, and quality—must be addressed.

To secure a better future, Nigeria needs sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher development, and technology-driven learning. Education remains the most powerful tool for national transformation.

Also Read: Education in Nigeria: A Statistical Overview of Progress and Challenges