The Federal Government on Monday granted provisional licences to 11 new private universities across the country.
This is a decision expected to offer more opportunities for quality education amid the nation’s rising demand for university spaces.
The announcement came after the 24th Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Monday, where the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, briefed State House correspondents on the long-awaited approvals.
“Several of these applications have been pending for well over three and a half years,” Alausa revealed. “But President Bola Tinubu…mandated that we quickly review those applications that were fully completed and bring them to council for approval.”
The newly approved universities are spread across several states, further decentralizing higher education access. They include:
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State (Annex)
- 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 State
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
Each of these institutions successfully fulfilled the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) rigorous 13-step approval process, ensuring they meet the required standards for academic excellence and infrastructure.
However, along with the good news came an unexpected development. The Federal Government is suspending the issuance of new private university licences. Dr. Alausa clarified that the moratorium would not affect institutions already in advanced stages of the approval process.
“We’ve also issued a moratorium on the issuance of licences to new private universities,” he said. “But those that have reached an advanced stage and have undergone the second visit will still be reviewed and approved if they meet all the necessary requirements.”
The minister acknowledged the significant investments made by education entrepreneurs and assured that their applications would continue to receive fair consideration.
Source: Ripples