By Adebayo Obajemu
Published March 4, 2025
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of 11 new private universities across Nigeria, further expanding the country’s higher education landscape.
This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Monday after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa explained that the new institutions had successfully undergone the rigorous 13-step accreditation process set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) before being granted their provisional licenses.
The newly approved universities are:
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
- 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
With the approval of these institutions, the number of private universities in Nigeria continues to grow, reflecting increasing demand for higher education opportunities.
Moratorium on New Private University Approvals
Despite this expansion, Dr. Alausa announced a temporary moratorium on the approval of additional private universities, meaning no new applications will be considered for the time being.
“These 11 universities have met all the necessary requirements of the NUC and have been awarded provisional licenses to commence operations,” he stated.
“While we have approved these institutions, we have also placed a moratorium on the establishment of new private universities. This means that only those that have reached the final stages of approval, like the ones announced today, will be considered.”
He added that applications already in advanced stages of assessment—specifically those that have passed step four and undergone a second visit—will still be evaluated for possible approval.
Impact on Nigeria’s Education Sector
The licensing of these 11 universities is expected to enhance access to higher education in Nigeria, a country where university admission remains highly competitive due to limited slots in public institutions.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the approvals, noting that private universities play a crucial role in bridging the gap in tertiary education, offering specialized programs, and improving educational standards.
However, concerns remain about affordability, as private institutions often charge higher tuition fees compared to their public counterparts. Experts have called for policies to support financial aid and scholarships for students who may struggle to afford private education.
With the new universities set to commence operations, the focus will be on ensuring they maintain the quality and standards set by the NUC, to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s educational and economic development.