Education Minister,
The Federal Government has granted provisional licenses to 11 newly approved private universities, further expanding access to tertiary education across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja, where the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, officially presented the licenses to the institutions’ representatives.
The new universities include:
- City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annex
- Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
- Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom
- 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
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
With this addition, the total number of universities in Nigeria now stands at 295, including 159 private institutions.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Dr. Alausa emphasized the strategic importance of higher education in driving national development.
“We are therefore charging all private universities, especially the new entrants here today, to align with our national priorities of expansive STEM education.”
“In addition to STEM, we do have science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and education sciences, as well as our technical and vocational education and training agenda,” he stated.
“These are the pillars upon which Nigeria will build its future workforce and industrial competitiveness. And the issue is the urgency of skilled professions in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, doctors, physical therapists, and competent engineers.”
“We are more than enough social science graduates, with due respect, but we have to be realistic here.
“What Nigeria needs now are programme solvers, graduates with life skills that can power industries, build infrastructures, and improve the lives of engineers.”
“Furthermore, the future of higher education is collaborative. I challenge private universities to form strategic alliances among themselves, share best practices, and even consider majors where feasible.
“These partnerships can help pool resources, expand programme offerings, and enhance academic credibility. Beyond local collaboration, we also encourage you to forge affiliations with reputable foreign universities.”
“I have travelled widely across the globe and know that Nigeria is an attractive destination for transnational education,” Alausa added.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the development as “a milestone in improving access to tertiary education,” urging the newly licensed institutions to uphold high standards of academic excellence and integrity.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, congratulated the promoters of the universities and reminded them that the licenses are provisional, valid for an initial period of three years.
He said, “Substantive licenses will only be granted after a thorough review of compliance with regulatory standards.”
Meanwhile, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, advised the new universities to prioritize ethical standards in their operations.
He cautioned, “Avoid imposing religious ideologies on candidates. Maintain academic integrity at all times.”
