The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, presented provisional licences to 11 newly approved private universities on Wednesday in Abuja.
The universities include City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annex; and Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State.
Others are Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom; Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara; Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos; and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State.
With this approval, Nigeria’s total number of universities now stands at 295 institutions, with private universities accounting for 159.
Speaking during the event on Thursday, Alausa emphasised the need for universities to serve as engines of innovation, talent development, and global relevance.
He urged the new institutions to prioritize STEM education, vocational training, and strategic partnerships to produce graduates equipped with life skills and technical expertise.
“We are therefore charging all private universities, especially the new entrants here today, to align with our national priorities of expansive STEM education. In addition to STEM, we do have science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and education sciences, as well as our technical and vocational education and training agenda.
“These are the pillars upon which Nigeria will build its future workforce and industrial competitiveness. And the issue is the urgency of skilled professions in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, doctors, physical therapists, and competent engineers. We are more than enough social science graduates, with due respect, but we have to be realistic here.
“What Nigeria needs now are programme solvers, graduates with life skills that can power industries, build infrastructures, and improve the lives of engineers. Furthermore, the future of higher education is collaborative. I challenge private universities to form strategic alliances among themselves, share best practices, and even consider majors where feasible.
“These partnerships can help pool resources, expand programme offerings, and enhance academic credibility. Beyond local collaboration, we also encourage you to forge affiliations with reputable foreign universities. I have travelled widely across the globe and know that Nigeria is an attractive destination for transnational education,” he said.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, hailed the development as “a milestone in improving access to tertiary education” and urged the new universities to uphold academic integrity.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, congratulated the promoters of the new universities and reminded them to adhere to NUC regulations.
He noted that the provisional licenses are valid for three years, after which substantive licenses will be issued.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, advised the institutions to maintain academic integrity and avoid imposing religious ideologies on candidates.
