President Bola Tinubu has approved provisional licenses for 11 new private universities across Nigeria, signaling his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education. The approval was granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.
The announcement was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in a statement on X.
He emphasized that the move aligns with Tinubu’s vision of strengthening the country’s education sector and increasing opportunities for Nigerian students.
The newly approved universities span various states, reflecting a strategic effort to decentralize higher education institutions across the country.
The institutions include New City University in Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University in Mabushi, Abuja; Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State; Abubakar Toyin University in Oke-Agba, Kwara State; 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 State; and Kevin Eze University in Mgbowo, Enugu State.
With this development, Tinubu’s administration aims to provide more alternatives to public universities, which have been plagued by challenges such as overcrowding, strikes, and inadequate funding.
The President’s commitment to expanding educational infrastructure is expected to enhance academic excellence, research opportunities, and innovation in Nigeria.
The move has been welcomed by education stakeholders, who believe it will not only increase university enrollment but also promote healthy competition among institutions, ultimately improving the quality of education in the country.
As the new universities begin operations, attention will be on their contributions to Nigeria’s evolving academic landscape.