Gloria PenPrivate Schools Are Better Than Public Schools – Here’s Why
When I was in JSS2, my cousin Ola moved from a public school in Lagos to a small private school nearby. At first, she didn’t want to leave his friends behind.
But within just 3 months, something changed. Ola went from struggling with her studies to topping her class. She even started joining school competitions, something she never had the chance to do before. Her confidence grew, and today, she talks about how that move shaped her life.
This is just one story. But it reflects what many parents and students experience every day in Nigeria and beyond.
So, are private schools better than public schools? Let’s talk about the real differences, what makes private schools stand out, and why many families believe they offer more value.
What Makes Private Schools Different from Public Schools?
Before we compare, let’s define what a Private and public school are:
Public schools are run by the government. They’re mostly free or low-cost, but they often struggle with funding, overcrowded classrooms, and teacher strikes.
In contrast, Private schools are owned by individuals or organizations. They charge school fees but usually offer more structure, better facilities, and closer teacher-student relationships.
Now let’s discuss why many people believe private schools are better than public schools.
See Why Boarding Schools are Better than Day Schools(Debate)
10 Reasons why Private Schools are Better than Public Schools.
Here are the points to take home:
1. Smaller Class Sizes = Better Learning
Private schools are better than public schools due to they usually have fewer students per class. This means teachers can give more attention to each child.
Just take for instance, being in a class of 20 students where your teacher knows your name, your strengths, and where you need help. That kind of attention can make learning easier and even fun.
In public schools, it’s not unusual to see over 60 students in one classroom. The teacher might not even know all their names. That makes it hard for students to ask questions or get extra help.
2. Qualified and Committed Teachers
Private schools often hire teachers based on strict standards. Many of them are certified, well-trained, and passionate about teaching.
They also get monitored closely. If a teacher isn’t performing, they get replaced quickly. This helps keep the quality of education high.
In public schools, however, some teachers may not show up regularly, especially when salaries are delayed. Others may be overworked and underpaid, which affects how well they teach.
3. Better Facilities and Learning Tools
Another reason why Private Schools are better than public schools is the fact that Private schools tend to invest in good facilities, libraries, computer labs, science labs, clean toilets, and more. Some even offer smart classrooms with projectors and internet access.
These things matter. A child who has access to modern tools will likely be more curious, more engaged, and more prepared for the future.
Public schools, especially in rural areas, often lack basic things like chairs, fans, or clean water. This makes it hard for students to concentrate, and sometimes even discourages them from going to school.
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4. Strong Discipline and School Culture
Private schools are known for their strict rules and strong discipline. Many enforce dress codes, manners, punctuality, and regular homework.
This helps build a serious learning environment. Students learn how to behave properly, respect others, and stay focused on their studies.
Public schools, due to larger crowds and fewer staff, may struggle to keep discipline. Some students may miss classes or engage in bad behavior without consequences.
5. More Extracurricular Activities
From music classes and sports teams to debate clubs and art lessons, private schools often offer a wide range of activities.
These programs help students discover their talents and develop skills that can’t be learned from textbooks.
Public schools may want to offer these too, but many don’t have the money, staff, or time.
Read Reasons Why Day Schools are Better than Boarding Schools (Debate Topic)
6. Closer Monitoring and Parent Involvement
Private schools encourage parents to be involved. There are regular PTA meetings, open days, and weekly feedback.
If a student is doing poorly, the school contacts the parents fast. That way, problems are solved early.
In many public schools, parents may not even know how their child is doing until the term ends or worse, until WAEC or NECO results come out.
7. Personal Story: How Private School Changed My Cousin’s Life
Let me go back to Ola’s story.
In her former public school, her teachers were overwhelmed. Her classes had over 70 students. Nobody noticed when she struggled with math.
After moving to a private school, her class size dropped to just 18. The math teacher noticed she was behind and gave her extra lessons. The school even arranged a weekend tutorial for her for free.
Just 3 months later, Ola wasn’t just catching up, she was leading the class. Today, she’s in University studying engineering, something that seemed impossible years ago.
This shows that individual attention can change a child’s entire path.
8. Focus on Moral and Character Development
Many private schools, especially faith-based ones, focus not only on academics but also on moral values.
They teach students how to be honest, respectful, and kind. This kind of environment helps shape both the mind and the heart.
Public schools may not always have time for this. With too many students and too few teachers, they often focus only on finishing the syllabus.
Check out these Top 10 Best Boarding Schools in Nigeria
9. Faster Academic Progress and Stronger Results
Private schools are better than public schools because they usually have more organized lesson plans. They rarely go on strike and complete their syllabus faster.
Students in private schools often perform better in WAEC, NECO, and UTME. That’s because they have enough time to revise, write mock exams, and get proper coaching.
Public school students, due to frequent strikes or lack of materials, may not finish their syllabus before big exams.
10. Safety and Clean Environment
Lastly, you can believe with me that most private schools invest in safety. They have school gates, security men, clean toilets, and proper waste disposal systems.
A clean, safe environment helps students focus and stay healthy.
Many public schools, sadly, lack these. In some areas, there are no fences, and classrooms have broken windows or leaking roofs.
Why Do Some Parents Still Choose Public Schools?
To be fair, not everyone can afford private schools. Public schools are still important, especially in places where many families live in poverty.
Some public schools also have amazing teachers who go the extra mile. And a few government-run schools are improving with help from NGOs and reforms.
But overall, if we look at the full picture, private schools are better than public schools because they offer more advantages for students.
FAQs for Private Schools are Better than Public Schools (Debate).
Q1. Are private schools really better than public schools in Nigeria?
Yes, in most cases. Private schools offer smaller classes, better teaching, more discipline, and modern facilities.
Q2. Are public schools free in Nigeria?
Yes, most public schools are free or charge very little. However, other costs like uniforms, books, and exam fees may still apply.
See Reasons Why Female Education is Better than Male Education(Debate)
Q3. Can students in public schools succeed too?
Of course. Success depends on the child’s effort, the support from home, and the quality of teachers. But private schools do offer more support.
Q4. Why do private schools perform better in WAEC and NECO?
They often cover the syllabus faster, offer mock exams, and provide better coaching and monitoring.
Male Education is Better than Female Education – Here’s why(Debate Topic)
Q5. How can I choose the best private school for my child?
You can check the school’s facilities, class size, academic performance, teacher quality, and safety measures. Also, ask other parents for reviews.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a public and a private school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent or student.
Private schools aren’t perfect. But they offer better tools, better learning environments, and better attention to each child. And in a world that’s changing fast, those little advantages can shape a child’s entire future.
In conclusion, private schools are better than public schools with the following points listed above, so if you’re able to, go for the option that gives your child the best chance to grow, learn, and succeed.
And remember every child deserves a good education, no matter the school you choose to enroll him or her in.
If this post helped you, share it with a friend or fellow parent. You never know who might be looking for this exact advice today.
Good luck!
Let me know in the comments section below if you’ve more questions bothering you.
Gloria Pen