FG suspends licensing of private universities over quality control
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government has imposed a one-year moratorium on the licensing of new private universities in Nigeria to enhance quality control in the education sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, announced the decision, stating that the suspension may be extended if necessary. This move is aimed at addressing concerns about the sustainability and capacity of private universities in the country.
A statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, revealed that Nigeria currently has 129 federal and state universities and 149 private universities. Despite private institutions comprising more than half of the country’s universities, they enroll less than 10% of students.
Dr. Alausa stressed that regulating the expansion of private universities is essential to ensure they meet the required academic and financial standards.
He also noted that new guidelines would be introduced to enhance the quality of private universities and align them with national development priorities.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been directed to review all pending applications for private university licenses, focusing on the viability and capacity of prospective institutions to deliver quality education.
The Minister added that the moratorium would provide time for critical reforms to be implemented, ensuring Nigeria’s higher education system remains strong and sustainable.
