By Femi Anamelechi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved provisional licenses to 11 new private universities across the country. The approval was announced following the Federal Executive Council. While this is to signaling to the administration’s commitment to expanding access to tertiary education and fostering academic development. It however remains to be exploded the wisdom of such new additions at at period the existing 270 Universities in Nigeria are still finding it very difficult to fund their operations, carry out researches, meet their obligations and even measure up to international standards. As at last survey no Nigerian University met the top ten tank in Africa.The newly approved institutions, spanning various regions of Nigeria, are set to commence operations pending final accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The new provisional licenses brings the total number of universities in the country to 281. While this move is argued by many as unnecessary give the stuffing economic down turn particularly in the educational sector others say the move aligns with efforts to meet the growing demand for higher education among Nigeria’s youthful population.The provisional licenses mark the first step toward operational status, with the universities required to meet stringent NUC guidelines on Infrastructure Names of the newly approved universities: New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State located in the southwestern state of Ogun, this institution aims to contribute to educational advancement in the region.University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State Situated in Ondo State, this university is poised to serve students in the South-West with innovative academic programs.Eranova University, Mabushi Based in Mabushi, this institution is expected to cater to students in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annex Positioned in Osun State, this university adds to the educational landscape of the South-West region.
Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State located in Kwara State, this institution will provide new opportunities for students in Nigeria’s North-Central zone.Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Set in the South-South region, this university aims to bolster higher education in Akwa Ibom and beyond.Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State Another addition to Kwara State, Lens University will further expand academic options in the North-Central region.Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State Located in Ogun State, this institution is expected to enhance educational access in the South-West.Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City Situated in Edo State, this specialized university will focus on communication studies, a growing field in Nigeria.
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos Based in the commercial hub of Lagos, this university will offer programs in aeronautics and management, tapping into Nigeria’s aviation sector. Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State Located in the South-East, this institution will serve students in Enugu State and the broader region.The provisional licenses mark the first step toward operational status, with the universities required to meet stringent NUC guidelines on infrastructure, staffing, and curriculum before admitting students.The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, hailed the approvals as a milestone in the government’s efforts to bridge the gap in tertiary education access.
According to him: “These institutions will not only create jobs but also provide more avenues for Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to the 21st-century economy,” the minister stated during a press briefing following the FEC meeting. While giving reasons for the approval of the 11 new private universities, Tinubu pointed out that the approvals reflect his administration’s focus on education as a driver of national development. “We are building a future where every Nigerian child has the opportunity to excel,” he said.However, the announcement has elicited mixed reactions.
While some stakeholders commend the expansion, others have raised concerns about the quality of education and the capacity of the NUC to effectively regulate the growing number of universities. The new institutions are expected to commence preparatory activities in the coming months, with admissions likely to begin in the 2026 academic session. This development underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its higher education system amid a rapidly growing population and increasing demand for skilled professionals.
