The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved provisional licenses for 11 new private universities across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following a council meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa stated that the newly approved universities successfully completed the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) rigorous 13-step assessment process before being granted their licenses. However, he also revealed that a moratorium has now been placed on the approval of additional private universities, meaning no new applications will be considered for the time being.
“These 11 universities have fulfilled all necessary requirements and have been granted provisional licenses to commence operations,” the Minister stated. “While we acknowledge the importance of expanding higher education, we have placed a temporary halt on approving new private universities. Only institutions that had already progressed to the final stages of approval, like those announced today, will be considered.”
He further explained that institutions that have passed step four of the NUC’s approval process and undergone a second visit may still be assessed. If they meet all necessary requirements, they could also receive approval.
Despite the moratorium, Dr. Alausa clarified that certain applications may still be presented to the FEC if they meet the required standards. He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to increasing access to higher education and enhancing educational infrastructure across the country.
The newly approved universities include:
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
- Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
- Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- 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 State
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
The Minister emphasized that the federal government remains focused on fostering quality education and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.
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