Ola Akinwunmi
In a decisive move set to reshape the higher education landscape, the National Universities Commission (NUC) is issuing provisional licenses to 11 new private universities today, pushing the total number of licensed private institutions to 159.
The licensing ceremony is slated to take place at the NUC auditorium at 3:00pm in Abuja. The NUC issued a brief notice earlier today stating, “The NUC will issue provisional licenses to 11 new private universities at the NUC auditorium by 3:00pm,” marking a significant milestone for the burgeoning private university sector.
This development comes in the wake of earlier measures by the Federal Government, which had imposed a temporary ban on the issuance of licenses for new private universities earlier this year. Although the ban was designed to streamline and reinforce the quality of higher education, the government ensured that applicants who had reached the advanced stages of the licensing process would continue to be evaluated and, if they met the necessary criteria, approved for licensing.
By revisiting the licensing framework, the NUC is not only recognizing the progress made by these institutions but is also signaling a strategic pivot towards expanding and diversifying the higher education market in the country.
The 11 universities set to be licensed represent a geographic and academic cross-section of Nigeria. These institutions include: New City University in Ayetoro, Ogun State, University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State, Eranova University in Mabushi, FCT, Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun (Annexe) and Abubakar Toyin University in Oke-Agba, Kwara State. Others are Southern Atlantic University in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Lens University in Ilemona, Kwara State, Monarch University in Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State, Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Benin City, Edo State, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos and Kevin Eze University in Mgbowo, Enugu State.
These new entrants underline the commitment to widening access to higher education and fostering academic innovation across Nigeria. Each institution brings its own unique focus and regional significance, promising to cater to a diverse range of academic and professional aspirations.Education advocates and industry experts have lauded the NUC’s decision, suggesting that the expanded number of private universities will alleviate the growing demand for quality higher education.
The move is expected to stimulate healthy competition, driving both public and private sectors to innovate in curriculum delivery and research, ultimately benefiting students across the country.
