Private Tutoring Boom in Nigeria: An Investigation into the Emerging but Controversial Learning Space

Abstract

The emergence of the traditional learning space called ‘lesson’ in Nigeria has indicted not only the government but also the teachers. More indicted are the parents who appear to find themselves between the anvil and hammer. Going through literature, the same space called ‘lesson’ in Nigeria is called ‘shadow education’ in some countries while some refer to the arrangement as ‘private tutoring’. Irrespective of the name given to it, the arrangement is gaining ground to the extent that students of nowadays find it difficult to engage in independent study. However, the ‘permissiveness’ found at the spaces where private tutoring is taken place has given way to students’ engagement with some mobile technologies - transiting into mobile learning environments. This paper will give an overview of Private Tutoring in Nigeria and discuss its reach and patterns. It will investigate some rationale behind widespread adoption of the innovation. Since the study exposes how the traditional independent study is giving way to ubiquitous learning, it will conclude with a discussion of the future of the learning space in question. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n6p271