By Bukola Kayode
The Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has said the Federal Government has licensed more private universities to expand access to higher education for Nigerians.
The Minister spoke even as the National Universities Commission (NUC) issued licenses to 11 new private universities on Wednesday.
Alausa explained that his presentation of the licences to the private universities came after earlier approval by the National Universities Commission.
The newly licenced universities include Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State, New City University, and Kevin Ezeh University, Mgbowo, Enugu State and Aiyetoro, Ogun State.
Others are University of Fortune, Igbotako, Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, 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.
Dr. Alausa, stressed that the approval was in line with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative designed to restore the glory of Nigeria’s educational system.
He said: “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 spoke on the need for steering Nigeria’s higher education toward priority fields such as STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences).
He said: “Nigeria has more than enough social science graduates. 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.”
“They should understand Nigeria’s potential as a hub for global education partnerships.
“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 added.
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.
According to him, following the liberalisation of University Education in 1999, private universities have significantly expanded the nation’s academic landscape.
He said: “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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