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Nigeria's higher education landscape is abuzz as the federal government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has granted operational licenses to 11 new private universities. This development elevates the total number of universities in the country to 295, with private institutions now numbering 159 .
The newly licensed universities are:
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New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
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Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
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Kevin Ezeh University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
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Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
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University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
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Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
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Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Ganmo, Kwara State
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Monarch University, Iyesi Ota, Ogun State
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Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin, Edo State
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Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management, Lagos State
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Eranova University, Kuje, FCT
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, aiming to restore the integrity and quality of the nation's education system . He highlighted the pressing need for universities to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), stating, "What Nigeria needs now are problem solvers – nurses, engineers, pharmacists – capable of powering industries and building infrastructure" .
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The NUC's Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, noted that the licenses are provisional for three years, during which the institutions must meet stringent quality benchmarks . He underscored the importance of private universities as complementary partners to public institutions, especially in serving Nigeria's youthful population
This move has sparked widespread discussion on social media and among educational stakeholders, reflecting a collective aspiration for a more robust and diversified higher education system in Nigeria.
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