The Federal Government has granted provisional licenses to 11 new private universities in Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. He stated that these universities had successfully completed the rigorous 13-step assessment process of the National Universities Commission (NUC) before obtaining their licenses.
The newly approved universities include New City University in Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University in Mabushi, Abuja; Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State; Abubakar Toyin University in Oke-Agba, Kwara State; and Southern Atlantic University in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Others are Lens University in Ilemona, Kwara State; Monarch University in Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Benin City, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos State; and Kevin Eze University in Mgbowo, Enugu State.
Dr. Alausa also explained that a moratorium has been placed on the approval of new private universities, meaning no further applications will be considered for now. He clarified that the government would continue to review pending applications that have advanced beyond the fourth step of the approval process and may approve them if they meet the required standards. Despite the moratorium, applications that have progressed significantly could still be presented to the FEC for approval if they comply with all necessary requirements.
The Minister reaffirmed President Tinubu’s dedication to expanding access to higher education and improving educational infrastructure across Nigeria.