Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa
By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
Nigeria’s higher education landscape has expanded once again as the Federal Government approved 11 new private universities, raising the national tally to 295 institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, presented provisional licenses to the new universities in Abuja on Wednesday, urging them to serve as engines of innovation, talent development, and global relevance.
The institutions include City University, Ayetoro (Ogun); University of Fortune, Igbotako (Ondo); Eranova University; and Minaret University, Ikirun (Osun Annex). Others are Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba (Kwara); Lens University, Ilemona (Kwara); Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota (Ogun); and Southern Atlantic University, Uyo (Akwa Ibom). Also listed are Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos; and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo (Enugu).
Dr. Alausa stressed that Nigeria’s development hinges on graduates equipped with life skills and technical expertise.
“We are more than enough social science graduates, with due respect,” he said. “What Nigeria needs now are problem solvers — nurses, engineers, pharmacists — capable of powering industries and building infrastructure.”
Alausa said what the administration of President Bola Tinubu want the universities to focus on, is to produce graduates who are prepared to be problem solvers.
He gave the subtle warning on Wednesday at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission, while presenting provisional licenses to the new universities
He challenged the universities to align with national STEM and vocational education priorities, form strategic local and global partnerships, and prioritize quality over quantity.
“The future of higher education is collaborative,” Alausa said. “We must think beyond borders.”
Dr. Alausa also urged private institutions to pursue partnerships with one another and with international academic bodies, leveraging Nigeria’s potential as an education hub in Africa.
He further disclosed that some universities whose applications had been pending for over four years finally received approval, following a detailed review process carried out over the past 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 said.
On her part, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, called the development “a milestone in improving access to tertiary education,” while NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu emphasized the provisional status of the licenses and the importance of adhering to regulations.
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (,JAMB) Prof. Is’haq Oloyede advised the universities to maintain integrity in their areas of specialisation.
He also cautioned the management of the new universities to consult with the National Universities Commission in order to find their bearing in their day to day operations.
