STRATEGIES TO ATTRACT FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT INTO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into tertiary education in Nigeria has become increasingly important in the face of inadequate funding, declining infrastructure, and the growing demand for quality higher education. This paper examines practical strategies for mobilizing foreign investment into Nigerian tertiary institutions as a means of improving capacity, innovation, and global competitiveness. Key strategies identified include strengthening institutional governance and transparency, promoting public-private partnerships, enhancing research and innovation capacity, implementing investment-friendly policies, internationalizing higher education, and improving infrastructural facilities. The paper argues that a well-coordinated approach involving government, institutional leadership, and private sector stakeholders is essential for creating an enabling environment that attracts sustainable foreign investment. The study concludes that FDI can significantly transform Nigeria’s tertiary education system if properly harnessed, and it recommends targeted reforms to maximize its benefits.