The Federal Government has formally granted operating licences to 11 newly approved private universities, a move it says is aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education and aligning academic output with national development priorities.
At a ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, handed over the licences following approvals by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The minister noted that the decision falls under the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which aims to restore the integrity and relevance of the country’s educational system.
“This occasion marks not only a celebration of achievement, but also a call to action—to build a university system in Nigeria that is globally competitive and future-oriented,” Alausa said.
The newly licenced institutions include:
– New City University, Aiyetoro, Ogun State
– Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
– Kevin Ezeh University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
– Southern Atlantic University, Uyo
– University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
– Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
– Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Ganmo, Kwara State
– Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
– Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin, Edo State
– Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management, Lagos State
– Eranova University, Kuje, Federal Capital Territory
Alausa drew attention to the urgent need for Nigeria to redirect its academic emphasis toward science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences (STEMM), warning that the country already has an oversupply of social science graduates.
“We need graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with the problem-solving and life skills necessary to drive industrial growth, develop infrastructure, and improve livelihoods,” he stressed.
However, Alausa expressed concern over the performance of existing private institutions. “While there are now 159 licensed private universities in Nigeria, too many fall short of the quality standards required to make a real impact,” he cautioned.
To tackle this, he revealed that the NUC is conducting a comprehensive review of quality assurance mechanisms. “Licensing must go beyond symbolism. It must produce results,” he added.
The minister also urged institutions to foster collaboration, both domestically and internationally, positioning Nigeria as a viable partner in global education.
In his remarks, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, described private universities as critical partners in national development. He cited rapid expansion since the liberalisation of university education in 1999, with private universities now making up 53.3 percent of Nigeria’s 298 higher education institutions.
He clarified that the new licences are provisional, valid for three years, and subject to rigorous monitoring and evaluation. Institutions must meet strict benchmarks to qualify for permanent status. “The NUC will carry out mandatory resource verification exercises before academic activities commence,” Ribadu said.
Speaking on behalf of the proprietors, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of University of Fortune, Igbotako, urged the NUC to remove obstacles hindering Nigerian universities from forming global partnerships.
Meanwhile, Dr Tony Iredia of Tonnie Iredia University of Communication appealed for a shortened moratorium period and identified poor communication of academic research as a barrier to Nigeria’s global standing in innovation.
