Private Education Under Fire: FG Hikes Setup Fees To Record High (See Highlights)

This update was detailed in a memo issued on Monday, February 10, 2025, by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu.

The NUC explained that this fee adjustment is part of efforts to improve private university standards and ensure better alignment with the demands of Nigeria’s higher education sector. The memo emphasized the need to reassess current guidelines for setting up private universities to meet 21st-century educational challenges.

“In line with the Honourable Minister of Education’s directive, the NUC informs promoters of proposed private universities and the general public of the following changes,” the memo stated. It also announced the suspension of inactive applications and those at the letter of intent stage.

The commission further clarified that applicants who have already purchased forms must pay the revised processing fee within 30 working days or risk forfeiting their applications.