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It is commonly said or assumed that when money is not expended on something, in essence, when people get things for free, they don't value these things. It is conventional knowledge and a basic principle nonetheless, and it is always expected and assumed that when an item or a service is gotten for free, it is usually of lesser value.
However, I beg to differ! There are always exceptions to everything, and I think the case of higher education can quickly change that narrative.
Making education free doesn't necessarily translate to making it less valuable.
Free higher education, in and of itself, does not necessarily result in reduced quality. However, there can be challenges with funding and resources that may affect the quality of education in nations where higher education is free. For example, in countries where higher education is free, universities may have less funding for resources such as laboratory equipment and research opportunities (highly probable). This can potentially impact the quality of education in these areas.
On the other hand, many countries with free higher education have strong education systems and high-quality universities. For example, in Norway and Denmark, higher education is free for all students, and these countries consistently rank among the top in education globally.
In comparison, the quality of higher education in Nigeria is generally considered to be lower than in many developed countries. This is due to a combination of factors, including limited funding and resources, inadequate infrastructure, and inadequate training and support for teachers. This is regardless of the fact that higher education at all levels is not free.
Overall, while free higher education alone may not necessarily result in reduced quality, other factors such as funding and resources can play a significant role in determining the overall quality of education in a country.
It is important to note that while funding and resources are crucial factors that can impact the quality of education, the attitude of students and teachers/instructors towards education also plays a significant role. In countries where higher education is free, students may take their education for granted and not fully engage in their studies. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a lack of focus on academic success. On the other hand, in countries where education is expensive, students may be more motivated to succeed and make the most of their education. However, there is no particular trend to this, its a vis-a-vis situation.
The attitude of teachers towards education can also play a significant role in determining the quality of education. Teachers who are passionate about their subject matter and dedicated to their students' success can create a positive and engaging learning environment. They can inspire students to take an active interest in their education and strive for academic excellence. Teachers who have a positive attitude towards education are also more likely to stay current with new teaching methods and technologies, which can enhance the quality of education for their students.
On the other hand, teachers who have a negative attitude towards education may not be as motivated to create a positive learning environment. They may not be as invested in their students' success and may not be as effective in conveying the subject matter. This can lead to a lack of engagement among students and a lower quality of education.
It is worth noting that factors such as teacher's qualification, experience, and training also have an impact on quality of education. A teacher who is well trained, experienced and highly qualified will be able to deliver effective and engaging lessons, and also be able to adapt to the needs of their students.
Additionally, a country's culture and values towards education can also play a role in determining the quality of education. In countries where education is highly valued and encouraged, students may be more likely to take their education seriously and strive for academic excellence.
No higher education system that is free to access is free of funding. It's either the government pays for the student, or someone else is paying. However, there is very little correlation between the cost of higher education and its quality, the people, the society, and the national values play more significant roles in the quality of education.
