Private Schools Are Better Than Public Schools – Debate Points for Students

Private Schools Are Better Than Public Schools – Strong Debate Points for Students

Introduction: The Private vs Public School Debate

Hi there! If you’ve ever been asked whether private schools are better than public schools, you know how hot that debate can get. Education in Nigeria — and many parts of the world — is often shaped by whether a child attends a public or private school.

From my research and experience in academic writing, one thing is clear: private schools offer certain advantages that make them stand out in many areas, especially when compared to the realities of most public schools.

This blog post will present clear, organized debate points supporting the motion that private schools are better than public schools. Whether you’re preparing for a debate, writing an essay, or just learning about the education system, you’ll find helpful insights here.

Let’s begin!

What Are Private and Public Schools?

Before we dive into the arguments, let’s quickly explain the difference.

• Public Schools are owned and operated by the government. They are usually free or low-cost and open to all students.
• Private Schools are owned by individuals or organizations and charge school fees. They are often more selective and run independently.

Now let’s look at the reasons why many believe private schools are better than public schools.

Debate Speech: Private Schools Are Better Than Public Schools

Good day, Mr. Chairman, panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, co-debaters, and my ever-attentive audience.

I am here today to speak in favor of the motion that “Private Schools Are Better Than Public Schools.” And I will be showing you exactly why that is a fact and not just an opinion.

First, let us consider class sizes. In most private schools, the number of students per class is relatively small. This means that teachers can pay closer attention to each student’s learning needs. If a student is falling behind, the teacher notices quickly and offers support. In contrast, public school classrooms are often overcrowded, making it difficult for any real one-on-one engagement.

Second, the overall learning environment in private schools is generally more conducive. With modern facilities, clean classrooms, and well-structured rules, students are more likely to stay focused. Many private schools also provide air-conditioned classrooms, functioning libraries, and internet-enabled labs — features that are often lacking in public schools.

Thirdly, private schools tend to uphold higher academic standards. They challenge students through tougher internal assessments, regular feedback, and a strong focus on academic performance. In most cases, their students excel in national exams like WAEC and NECO.

Another reason is the quality of teaching. Private school teachers are often better trained, better paid, and more closely monitored. This creates a culture of accountability and dedication. These teachers don’t just show up for work — they are passionate about it.

Let us not forget extracurricular activities. From music and sports to robotics and public speaking, private schools make room for students to discover and develop their talents outside the classroom. These activities build confidence, teamwork, and leadership — essential life skills.

Also, when it comes to discipline and moral values, private schools usually lead the way. They have stricter codes of conduct and make character education part of their mission. This often leads to better-behaved students who take responsibility for their actions.

Another major point is parental involvement. In private schools, parents are more involved in their children’s progress. They attend meetings, receive timely feedback, and are active in school activities. This partnership between school and home helps students to perform better.

Finally, private schools generally have better resources. From smartboards to digital textbooks and science equipment, they are more likely to be well-funded. These tools make teaching more effective and learning more exciting for students.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am not saying public schools are all bad — some do their best. But when we weigh the facts — smaller class sizes, better teachers, advanced facilities, high academic expectations, parental involvement, stronger discipline, and more opportunities for student growth — it becomes clear that private schools offer more advantages.

Therefore, with all these points stated and explained, I stand firmly to say that private schools are indeed better than public schools.

Thank you.

Debate Points: Why Private Schools Are Better Than Public Schools

1. Academic Performance: WAEC & NECO Results

WAEC Participation & Success Rates

• In 2021, 1,332,089 candidates (72.12%) earned five credits including Maths and English — out of 1.56 million who sat for exams (WikipediaResearchGate)
• 46% of candidates came from private schools, yet they accounted for 53% of successful candidates (i.e., five credits+), while public schools represented 54% of candidates but only 47% of successes (National Bureau of Statistics.)

Top WAEC Schools Are Mostly Private

Schools like Loyola Jesuit College (Abuja), Corona Secondary School (Agbara), Grange Schools (Lagos), and Lumen Christi International (Uromi) consistently rank among the very best in WAEC performance each year (Nigerian Private Schools Directory.)

2. Class Size and Learning Environment

• Queen’s College, Lagos, a top-performing public school, still has an average class size of about 55 students per class (Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning)
• Many private schools maintain class sizes of 20 to 30 students, enabling better teacher interaction and focused learning.

3. Infrastructure & Facilities

• A UNICEF audit indicates that many public schools lack basic infrastructure—over 60% have no electricity, and fewer than 35% have functioning libraries or labs (UNICEF.)
• Private schools like Corona, Greensprings, and Loyola invest heavily in modern classrooms, ICT labs, and extracurricular infrastructure.

4. Teacher Quality & Accountability

• A World Bank review found that private school teachers in Nigeria are twice as likely to attend class regularly and complete their syllabus, compared to public school teachers Nigerian Private Schools Directory.
• Private institutions enforce strict monitoring, retraining, and performance reviews, creating a culture of accountability.

5. Discipline and Moral Culture

• Reports show rising instances of cultism, bullying, and exam malpractice in many public schools.
• Private schools such as Faith Academy, Christ the Redeemer’s School, and Isolog Schools are recognized for their strict disciplinary codes and moral instruction, contributing to safer learning environments

6. Extracurricular and Global Exposure

Private schools offer:

• British/American/IB curricula
• Foreign language programs (French, Mandarin, Spanish)
• International competitions and exchange programs

Examples include Children’s International School (Lagos) offering both WAEC and IGCSE tracks, giving students more competitive pathways abroad. Private schools consistently perform better at science quizzes and Olympiads

In conclusion, the available data and real-world examples indicate that private schools in Nigeria outperform public schools in crucial aspects:

• Higher share of WAEC success rates despite lower candidate population
• Smaller class sizes with personalized attention
• Better infrastructure and learning tools
• Strict teacher accountability and quality assurance
• Strong focus on character, discipline, and moral values
• Access to broader curricula and extracurricular programs

Therefore, while public schools remain necessary for access to education, the advantages of private schooling are clear and data-supported

Conclusion: Are Private Schools Really Better?

To wrap it up, the debate about private vs public schools is a valid one — but based on facts, private schools clearly provide a better all-round education in terms of:

• Academic performance
• Infrastructure
• Teaching quality
• Discipline and values
• Student engagement
• Future opportunities

While some public schools are well-funded and have great teachers, most of them in Nigeria face serious challenges that limit student success.

So, if we’re debating purely based on learning outcomes, facilities, and future readiness, then private schools are better than public schools.