President Tinubu Approves 11 New Private Universities in Nigeria

The announcement was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, via Tinubu’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Dare noted that the move aligns with the administration’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure in the country.

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has granted provisional licenses for the establishment of 11 new private universities across Nigeria. The approval was given during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on March 3, 2025.

The announcement was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, via Tinubu’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Dare noted that the move aligns with the administration’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure in the country.

List of Newly Approved Private Universities

• New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
• University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
• Eranova University, Mabushi
• 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
• Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
• Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State

One-Year Moratorium on New Private Universities

The approval comes amid a recent decision by the federal government to impose a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, stated that the moratorium, which could be extended, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system and ensuring the sustainability of private institutions.

Dr. Alausa highlighted concerns over the disparity in university admissions, noting that while Nigeria has 129 federal and state universities and 149 private universities, private institutions account for less than 10% of overall university enrollments. This imbalance, he said, necessitates stricter regulations to ensure private universities meet high academic standards and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Stricter Regulations for Private Universities

To address these concerns, the federal government is set to implement new regulations requiring private universities to demonstrate financial and academic capability before receiving approval. Dr. Alausa directed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to review all pending applications and ensure new universities align with modern education demands and national priorities.

The NUC has outlined a rigorous fourteen-step process for establishing private universities in Nigeria, including:

• Submission of a formal application and supporting documents
• Review and revision of documents by the Directorate of Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU)
• Multiple site assessments and security screenings of proprietors
• Final approval stages involving the NUC Management, NUC Board, and FEC

These measures aim to enhance the quality of private universities and ensure they are adequately prepared to deliver high standards of education.