President Bola Tinubu has approved provisional licenses for 11 new private universities across Nigeria, a move aimed at expanding educational access despite a recent one-year moratorium on new institutions.
The approvals were granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on March 3, 2025, and announced by Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication.
“The establishment of these universities is a significant step towards enhancing higher education access and infrastructure in Nigeria,” Dare said on Tinubu’s official X page. The newly approved institutions include New City University in Ogun State, University of Fortune in Ondo State, and Eranova University in Abuja, among others.
This decision comes amid efforts to address the disparity in Nigeria’s university admissions. According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, while private universities represent over 50% of the nation’s 278 universities, they account for less than 10% of overall admissions. “The moratorium is intended to ensure that only financially and academically capable institutions receive operational approval,” Dr. Alausa explained.
A Strategic Expansion Amidst Regulation
The approval of these 11 private universities is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to revamp Nigeria’s higher education system. The federal government recently imposed a one-year moratorium on new private universities to strengthen academic standards and ensure sustainability. However, the latest approvals are seen as a selective boost to the sector.
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Dr. Alausa highlighted the need for stricter regulations to balance quality and quantity in the education system. “We want institutions that can genuinely contribute to national development and uphold high academic standards,” he said. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been tasked with reviewing all pending applications and aligning them with 21st-century education demands.
The newly approved universities span various states, including Southern Atlantic University in Akwa Ibom, Monarch University in Ogun, and Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos. Analysts suggest that the strategic geographic spread of these institutions could help bridge educational disparities across Nigeria’s regions.
Navigating a Complex Approval Process
Obtaining approval for a private university in Nigeria is a rigorous process. The NUC’s fourteen-step procedure requires prospective proprietors to submit detailed documents, pass security screenings, and undergo multiple site assessments. The process culminates with approvals from the NUC Management, NUC Board, and finally, the FEC.
“Private universities must build adequate capacity before seeking operational approval,” Dr. Alausa emphasized. The NUC’s strict guidelines are aimed at filtering out institutions that lack the financial and academic resources to operate sustainably.
The recent approvals reflect President Tinubu’s push to attract private investment in education while ensuring regulatory compliance
