In a significant move to enhance access to quality higher education in Nigeria, the Federal Government officially issued operational licenses to 11 newly established private universities on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
During the license presentation event, the Honourable Minister of Education (HME), Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that this development followed the recent approval of these institutions by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The newly licensed universities include: New City University in Aiyetoro, Ogun State; Lens University in Ilemona, Kwara State; Kevin Ezeh University in Mgbowo, Enugu State; Southern Atlantic University in Uyo; University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State; Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State; and Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University in Ganmo, Kwara State. Additional institutions are Monarch University in Iyesi Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Benin, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management in Lagos State; and Eranova University in Kuje, FCT.
Dr. Alausa highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, aiming to modernize the country’s educational framework. “This ceremony celebrates your achievements and serves as a renewed call to action for a future-ready and globally competitive university system in Nigeria,” he stated. He urged a shift in the tertiary education sector’s focus towards critical disciplines, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), expressing concern over the oversupply of graduates in social sciences.
“Nigeria already produces ample social science graduates. The current need is for problem-solving graduates with practical skills capable of driving industries, constructing infrastructure, and enhancing lives,” he affirmed.
Acknowledging the reality that despite having 159 licensed private universities, many struggle to meet Nigeria’s quality standards, he stressed that licensing should not merely be a formality but a genuine commitment to academic excellence. To support this goal, Dr. Alausa mentioned that the NUC is revamping its quality assurance system to guarantee that all universities meet essential standards in teaching, research, and innovation.
Dr. Alausa also encouraged private institutions to build partnerships among themselves and with international academic organizations, maximizing Nigeria’s potential as an education hub in Africa. He noted that some universities whose applications had been pending for over fouryears finally received approval after a comprehensive review process spanning three years. “Private universities must embrace the challenge of delivering high-quality, relevant education that aligns with the demands of a modern economy. With support from regulatory bodies and a renewed commitment to excellence, the newly approved institutions are poised to play a transformative role in shaping the nation’s next generation of leaders and innovators,” he said.
NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, acknowledged the critical role private universities have been playing in complementing the public education system and addressing the educational needs of Nigeria’s growing youth population. He emphasized that since the liberalization of university education in 1999, the sector has witnessed remarkable growth.
“From just 49 universities in 1999, of which 23 were private, Nigeria now boasts 297 universities, with 159 (53.5% of the total) being privately owned. The private sector’s increased participation has been instrumental in this expansion,” he remarked.
Professor Ribadu clarified that the licenses granted are provisional and valid for an initial period of three years, during which these institutions must adhere to strict quality standards. Full accreditation will only be considered after an extensive evaluation by the Commission. “The provisional status will be closely monitored by the NUC, and full licenses will be granted only after a thorough assessment of each institution’s compliance with regulatory requirements,” he added. He also announced that a mandatory resource verification exercise would take place to evaluate the preparedness of academic programs before operations begin.
Speaking on behalf of the university proprietors, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, founder of the University of Fortune, urged the NUC to ease restrictions that currently hinder collaborations between Nigerian and international institutions. He emphasized the significance of cross-border partnerships in fostering innovation and national development.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Tony Iredia, Proprietor of Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, appealed to the federal government to avoid unnecessarily extending moratorium periods. He pointed out that poor research dissemination is a significant reason for the underperformance of Nigerian universities in research initiatives