The Federal Government has approved provisional licenses for 11 new private universities across Nigeria during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on March 3, 2025.
In a formal statement, Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, affirms the permission and highlights the administration’s dedication to enhancing higher education infrastructure and increasing educational access.In a formal statement, Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, affirms the permission and highlights the administration’s dedication to enhancing higher education infrastructure and increasing educational access.
The newly approved universities include:
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
- Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
- Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
- Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
- Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
- Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
One-Year Moratorium on New Private Universities
This approval follows the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a one-year moratorium on establishing additional private universities. The policy aims to improve regulatory oversight, enhance academic standards, and ensure the sustainability of private institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, states that while Nigeria has 129 federal and state universities, private universities—despite making up more than half of the country’s total—account for less than 10% of student admissions. He stresses the need for stricter regulations to maintain academic excellence and ensure that new institutions contribute meaningfully to national development.
As part of the moratorium, the National Universities Commission (NUC) reviews pending applications for private universities to assess their financial and academic capacity. The commission ensures that proposed institutions align with modern educational demands and national priorities before granting operational approval.
Regulatory Process for Private Universities
The NUC outlines a 14-step procedure for establishing private universities in Nigeria. This process includes submitting a formal application, undergoing multiple site assessments, conducting security screenings, and obtaining approval from three governing bodies: the NUC Management, the NUC Board, and the Federal Executive Council.
By limiting licenses to institutions with the requisite academic, financial, and infrastructure capabilities, the government demonstrates its dedication to bolstering the higher education sector.
