Why Nigerian Government licenses 11 new private Universities –Minister

*Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister for Education, highlights the importance of high-quality and relevant education in development, and justifies the National Universities Commission’s licensing of 11 new private Universities in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has highlight the importance of high-quality and relevant education in development, as the National Universities Commission (NUC) licenses 11 new private Universities.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education, stated this while presenting provisional licences to the 11 newly-approved private universities Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

Alausa said the Federal Government awarded the fresh operational licrnces to the new private Universities in order to expand access to quality tertiary education in the country.

The Minister also noted that his presentation of the licences to the private universities was sequel to the earlier approval by the National Universities Commission.

The newly licenced universities include New City University, Aiyetoro, Ogun State; Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State; and Kevin Ezeh University, Mgbowo, Enugu State.

Others are Southern Atlantic University, Uyo; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State; and Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Ganmo Kwara State.

The NUC also approved operational licences for Monarch University, Iyesi Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management, Lagos State; and Eranova University, Kuje, FCT.

Rationale for licensing new private Universities, by Dr. Alausa

Justifying the rationale for approving operating licences for the 11 new private Universities, Dr. Alausa, Minister for Education, said the approval was in line with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative designed to restore the glory of Nigeria’s educational system.

He equally asserted: “This ceremony is not only a celebration of your achievements, but also a renewed call to action in building a future-ready and globally competitive Nigerian university system.”

The Minister also highlighted the urgency of steering Nigeria’s higher education toward priority fields such as STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences).

“Nigeria has more than enough social science graduates.”

He equally said: “What we need now are problem-solvers graduates with life skills who can drive industries, build infrastructure, and improve lives.

“We must acknowledge an uncomfortable truth that, while we now have 159 licensed private universities, too many are failing to meet the quality standards Nigeria demands.”

According to him, licensing must not be symbolic but must be impactful.

Alausa disclosed the NUC is undertaking a comprehensive review of quality assurance mechanisms, aimed at ensuring that all licensed institutions, whether public or private, serve as genuine centres of learning, innovation, and research in the country.

He, therefore, encouraged private Universities to collaborate with one another, and form international affiliations.

They should understand Nigeria’s potential as a hub for global education partnerships, he noted.

The Minister further revealed that following presidential directives, several Universities that had awaited approval for over four years finally received licences after a thorough evaluation process completed within three years.

“Private universities must rise to the challenge of delivering high-quality, relevant education that meets the demands of a modern economy.

“With support from regulatory bodies and a renewed commitment to excellence, the newly approved institutions are expected to play a transformative role in shaping the nation’s next generation of leaders and innovators,” he explained.

Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of NUC, highlighted the growing importance of private universities as complementary partners to public institutions, particularly in catering to Nigeria’s youthful population.

Ribadu said since the liberalisation of University Education in 1999, private universities had significantly expanded the nation’s academic landscape.

The Executive Secretary stated: “From just 49 universities in 1999, 23 of which were private, Nigeria now boasts of 298 universities, with 159 (53.3 per cent) being privately owned.

“The catalyst for this expansion is the increased participation of the private sector.”

He explained that the licenses awarded were provisional, valid for three years, during which institutions must meet strict quality benchmarks.

He added: “The provisional status is subject to close monitoring by the NUC, with full licences to be granted only after a thorough evaluation of each institution’s compliance with regulatory standards.”

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