FG Freezes Approval Of New Universities For 6 Years

The Federal Government has announced a six-year suspension on the approval of new universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. The decision was taken during a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, told journalists that the temporary moratorium aims to enhance the quality and stability of existing tertiary institutions. He noted that the rapid expansion of higher education institutions in recent years has posed challenges in maintaining academic standards and financial sustainability, particularly among private institutions.

Alausa explained that the government intends to focus on strengthening current institutions rather than creating new ones during the suspension period. He referenced data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, revealing that over 2.3 million candidates applied for tertiary admission last year, but fewer than 228,000 were able to gain entry into public universities. The minister highlighted that the limited access to public institutions underscores the need to consolidate and improve existing schools.

In the same meeting, the Federal Government restored the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education to its full status as an independent commission. The decision followed the presentation of a new plan aimed at providing literacy and digital skills education to millions of adults nationwide. Alausa said that tens of millions of Nigerians currently lack basic reading and writing skills, and the government is committed to expanding the commission’s outreach through community learning centres, radio and television campaigns, and public education initiatives.

The Federal Executive Council also approved amendments to the law guiding the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. The changes will allow medical fellowships obtained through the college to be treated as equivalent to a doctoral degree for purposes of academic promotion in universities and medical institutions.