A treatise on the future direction of access and equity to tertiary education in Nigeria

Over the years, inadequate access to tertiary education has been a challenge facing Nigeria. Many secondary school leavers that are desirous of furthering their education are not having the opportunity due to various factors such as the limited carrying capacities of the available tertiary institutions, poor funding, state of open and distance learning systems, cost of private universities in the country, among others. This paper examines the state of tertiary education in Nigeria, historical development and growth of tertiary education, factors affecting access and equity to tertiary education, viable strategies for the provision of more access and equity to tertiary education and the necessary framework for the implementation of the strategies in Nigeria.