- The Federal Government has approved 11 private universities across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory
- The new universities aim to improve academic opportunities across Nigeria
- While new approvals for university applications are on hold, institutions in advanced stages will still be considered
The Federal Government has granted provisional licences for 11 new private universities, expanding access to higher education across several states in Nigeria.
These newly approved institutions will benefit eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), providing more educational opportunities for students in these regions.
The states that will host the new universities are:
1. Ogun State: New City University, Ayetoro and Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota
2. Ondo State: University of Fortune, Igbotako
3. FCT, Abuja: Eranova University, Mabushi
4. Osun State: Minaret University, Ikirun Annex
5. Kwara State: Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba and Lens University, Ilemona
6. Akwa Ibom State: Southern Atlantic University, Uyo
7. Edo State: Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City
8. Lagos State: Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management
9. Enugu State: Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the approvals after the 24th Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
He stated that some of these applications had been pending for over three years, but President Bola Tinubu directed a swift review of completed applications.
While the Federal Government has placed a moratorium on new private university applications, those already in advanced approval stages will still be considered if they meet the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) requirements.
“We have decided to halt the issuance of new licences for private universities. The ones approved today had reached the final stages of the process.
“We recognise the significant investments made by applicants. As long as they fulfill the required conditions, they will be considered for approval," Alausa stated.
With this development, these nine states will see an increase in higher education institutions, offering more opportunities for students and boosting academic growth in their regions.
Reps push for establishment of Bola Tinubu University
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the House of Representatives in Nigeria took a significant step towards establishing a new higher institution, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages.
The university, once established, would focus on promoting the learning and development of Nigerian languages and cultures.