NUC Increases Private University Application Fee to N25m, Imposes One-Year Moratorium on New Approvals to Strengthen Standards
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has significantly increased the application and processing fees for establishing private universities in Nigeria, raising concerns among prospective proprietors.
In a major policy shift, the commission raised the processing fee from N5 million to N25 million, while the fee for purchasing application forms increased from N1 million to N5 million.
About the NUC
The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the regulatory body overseeing university education in Nigeria. Established in 1962, it ensures quality assurance, accreditation, and policy development for higher education institutions. The NUC plays a crucial role in approving new universities and maintaining academic standards across Nigeria’s university system.
Suspension Of New Applications
Beyond the fee hike, the NUC has also suspended all inactive applications—including those for private open universities—for one year. This affects applications that have remained stagnant for over two years.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, announced these changes in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that the reforms aim to strengthen private university education in Nigeria.
He stated that applicants who have already purchased forms must pay the new processing fee within 30 working days or risk losing their applications.
Why the Changes?
According to Ribadu, the policy adjustments align with the Education, National Minimum Standards, and Establishment of Institutions Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which empowers the NUC to regulate and set guidelines for establishing private universities.
He explained that the move is part of efforts to ensure that new private universities meet 21st-century educational standards and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s higher education system.
Suspended Applications and Ongoing Reviews
The one-year suspension affects:
- Applications stuck at Step 1 of NUC’s 14-step approval process (those that have only submitted Letters of Intent).
- Fresh applications for new private universities, including private open universities.
Meanwhile, the commission is reviewing other aspects of its Guidelines for the Establishment of Private Universities, with further details expected in due course.
However, Ribadu assured stakeholders that active pending applications will still be processed and submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
With the latest policies, the commission aims to streamline the approval process, ensure quality, and create a more sustainable private university sector
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