FG Issues Provisional Licences to 11 New Private Universities Across Nigeria
Education Minister tasks institutions to prioritise STEM, innovation, and skilled workforce development
The federal government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has officially presented provisional licences to 11 newly approved private universities, marking a significant expansion in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
The newly licensed institutions are:
City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT
Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun (Annexe)
Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom
Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
At the official presentation ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described a true university as a centre of learning, innovation, and global relevance. He urged the new institutions to champion STEM education, innovation, and strategic collaboration to address Nigeria’s critical shortage of skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare and engineering.
“We are charging all private universities, especially the new entrants, to align with our national priorities of expansive STEM education,” Alausa stated. “What Nigeria needs now are problem solvers—graduates with life skills that can power industries, build infrastructure, and improve lives.”
He encouraged private institutions to collaborate both locally and internationally, share best practices, and expand their programme offerings to meet national development goals.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, also emphasised the role of the new universities in expanding access to quality education and urged them to uphold high standards of academic integrity.
“These universities represent a significant extension of our system’s carrying capacity and encourage healthy academic competition,” she said.
NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, congratulated the founders of the universities, noting that the licensing process has become more stringent to ensure quality. With the addition of these new institutions, Nigeria now has 159 private universities.
Ribadu explained that the provisional licence is valid for three years, during which the universities will be closely monitored for quality assurance before being granted full operational status.
As Nigeria works to close its education gap and meet the demands of a modern economy, these new universities are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening national development.
