Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Exploring Public-Private Partnerships in Education Facility Development in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing the infrastructure gap in education facilities in Osun State, Nigeria. The research explores the coverage, effects, and challenges, 
of PPPs in the education sector. It adopts a mixed method of questionnaire administration and interviews. Copies of questionnaire were administered to 267 teachers from selected secondary schools across the three (3) senatorial districts in the State, while in-depth interviews were conducted with the Director of Finance and Account in Osun State Ministry of Finance and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in Osun State Ministry of Education; and Head, Investment and Research Unit of Lotus Capital Limited. Data collected were analysed using percentages, chi-square and content analysis. The study reveals that PPPs in Osun State partially cover building provision, procurement of furniture and lab equipment, among others, in education facilities development. These partnerships have demonstrated positive effects, including increased enrollment rates, enhanced teaching-learning activities, and improved teaching environments in public secondary schools. However, challenges such as the lack of a robust policy framework, inadequate stakeholder sensitization, and ambiguous objectives hinder the full potential of PPPs in education facility development. The study recommends enhancing the policy framework, conducting comprehensive stakeholder education programmes, developing partnership skills, strengthening the legal and institutional framework, and implementing rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.