FG Approves Nine New Private Universities, Imposes Seven-Year Ban on New Public Institutions
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of nine new private universities while simultaneously imposing a seven-year moratorium on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The decisions, announced after Wednesday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, reflect a shift in government strategy, from rapidly expanding the number of institutions to consolidating and strengthening existing ones.
FG Approves Nine New Private Universities in Nigeria
According to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the nine private universities approved had been awaiting licensing for years, some for as long as six years.
Out of 551 pending applications received by the ministry, only 79 were considered viable under new, stricter guidelines. After rigorous evaluation, nine met the requirements and were approved.
Full List of Newly Approved Private Universities
- Tazkiyah University (Kaduna State)
- Leadership University (Abuja)
- Jimoh Babalola University (Kwara State)
- Bridget University (Mbaise, Imo State)
- Greenland University (Jigawa State)
- JEFAP University (Niger State)
- Azione Verde University (Imo State)
- Unique Open University (Lagos State)
- American Open University (Ogun State)
These approvals bring Nigeria’s tally of private universities to more than 150, reflecting a growing role for private-sector investment in the country’s higher education system.
Seven-Year Moratorium on Federal Institutions
While private universities are being encouraged under strict regulatory supervision, the federal government has placed a seven-year freeze on the establishment of new public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Government Explains Freeze on New Public Universities
Explaining the rationale, Dr. Alausa revealed troubling statistics: nearly 200 universities in Nigeria received fewer than 100 applications through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) last year, while 34 universities recorded zero applications. Several polytechnics and colleges of education also had no applicants at all.
He argued that the unchecked proliferation of public institutions has led to underfunding, infrastructural decay, and declining academic standards. By halting the creation of new federal institutions, the government hopes to channel resources toward strengthening the capacity, staffing, and infrastructure of existing ones.
Balancing Expansion With Quality in Higher Education
The dual policy approach, encouraging credible private institutions while freezing new public ones, is designed to strike a balance between access and quality. Nigeria faces one of the highest demands for tertiary education in Africa, with millions of applicants every year and limited capacity in public universities. Yet, the mushrooming of poorly funded public institutions has done little to address overcrowding or enhance academic outcomes.
By tightening the licensing process, the government hopes that private universities will offer alternatives for families willing to invest in quality education, while public universities benefit from a renewed focus on funding and reform.
The Future of Nigerian Higher Education
Education stakeholders have welcomed the moratorium as a necessary corrective measure, though some have expressed concern that it could limit access in underserved regions if not accompanied by increased investment in existing institutions. Others argue that allowing vetted private universities to expand provides more options without stretching government resources too thin.
For students and parents, the immediate impact may be greater reliance on private universities for admission opportunities. For policymakers, the challenge will lie in ensuring that both new and existing universities deliver on their promise of high-quality education that prepares graduates for the demands of the modern economy.
Ultimately, the approvals and restrictions announced by FEC signal a new phase in Nigeria’s education policy, one that emphasizes sustainability, quality, and accountability over unchecked expansion.
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