The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted operational licenses to 11 newly approved private universities, marking a significant step toward expanding access to quality tertiary education and strengthening the country’s academic system.
The licenses were presented on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following the institutions’ approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This move aligns with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, aimed at restoring the integrity and global competitiveness of the country’s education system.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for Nigeria’s universities to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), rather than oversupplying graduates in social sciences.
“Nigeria has more than enough social science graduates. What we need now are problem-solvers with life skills who can drive industries, build infrastructure, and improve lives,” he said. “This ceremony is not just a celebration of achievement, but a renewed call to action to build a future-ready university system.”
List of Newly Licensed Universities:
1. New City University, Aiyetoro, Ogun State
2. Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
3. Kevin Ezeh University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
4. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
5. University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
6. Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
7. Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Ganmo, Kwara State
8. Monarch University, Iyesi Ota, Ogun State
9. Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin, Edo State
10. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management, Lagos State
11. Eranova University, Kuje, Federal Capital Territory
While acknowledging the growth in private universities—now 159 out of Nigeria’s 298 accredited universities—Dr. Alausa cautioned that too many institutions fall short of quality expectations.
“Licensing must not be symbolic. We are undergoing a comprehensive review of our quality assurance frameworks to ensure universities become true centres of innovation and research,” he stated. He urged private universities to deliver impactful education relevant to a modern economy.
He also revealed that some of the newly licensed universities had awaited approval for over four years, and their applications were fast-tracked following a presidential directive. Alausa encouraged collaboration between Nigerian private universities and international institutions to turn Nigeria into a hub for global academic partnerships.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, noted that the new licenses are provisional and valid for three years. He emphasized that each institution must undergo a mandatory resource verification exercise to confirm readiness to commence academic activities.
“The provisional status is subject to close monitoring. Full licenses will be granted only after a thorough evaluation of compliance with NUC standards,” Ribadu said. He praised the private sector for driving expansion in Nigeria’s university landscape.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Proprietor of the University of Fortune, called on the NUC to ease regulatory bottlenecks that prevent Nigerian universities from establishing international academic partnerships.
With this development, the government aims to transform the educational sector into a platform for nation-building, innovation, and human capital development.
