Federal Government Grants Provisional Licences to 11 New Private Universities, Expands Higher Education Access

In a significant move to broaden access to higher education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has approved provisional licences for 11 new private universities. This development marks another milestone in the expansion of the country’s academic landscape, bringing fresh opportunities for students and educators alike.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this after the 24th Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. He revealed that several of these applications had been under review for more than three and a half years. However, President Bola Tinubu instructed that all fully completed applications be expedited for approval.

Newly Approved Universities

The following institutions have received provisional licences to operate:

1. New City University—Ayetoro, Ogun State
2. University of Fortune—Igbotako, Ondo State
3. Eranova University—Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory
4. Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State (Annex)
5. Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
6. Southern Atlantic University—Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
7. Lens University—Ilemona, Kwara State
8. Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
9. Tonnie Iredia University of Communication—Benin City, Edo State
10. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
11. Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State

According to Dr. Alausa, these institutions successfully met the rigorous 13-step approval process set by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring they have the necessary academic, infrastructural, and financial capabilities to deliver quality education.

Moratorium on New University Licences

While the government has approved these 11 universities, it has also placed a temporary moratorium on issuing new private university licences. However, this suspension does not apply to applications already in the advanced stages of the approval process.

“We’ve decided to pause the issuance of licences for new private universities moving forward. However, institutions that have already undergone key phases of the review process, particularly those that have passed the second visit, will still be considered for approval if they meet all requirements,” Alausa clarified.

He further emphasized the government’s awareness of the significant financial and infrastructural investments made by private investors in the education sector. As a result, applications that are close to completion will still be processed, provided they align with the NUC’s stringent guidelines.

Implications for Nigeria’s Education Sector

The approval of these 11 new universities comes at a time when Nigeria faces a growing demand for higher education, driven by an expanding population and increasing student enrollment. With public universities struggling with capacity limitations, private institutions play a crucial role in bridging the gap, offering more learning opportunities, specialized programs, and modern facilities.

By balancing expansion with regulatory oversight, the Federal Government aims to ensure that the growth of private universities does not compromise quality but instead enhances the overall academic environment in Nigeria.

This development signifies a continued commitment to educational reform, addressing gaps in access, innovation, and skill development in line with global best practices.