FG imposes six-year ban on new private varsities
By: Abudu Olalekan
A halt lands on fresh private universities, polytechnics, and teacher colleges – lasting half a dozen years. The move aims at lifting current schools into better shape. Focus shifts to deepening standards instead of spreading thin. Existing campuses get room to grow stronger now. Six years without new entries lets resources settle where they are needed most. Quality gains priority over quantity through this pause.
A halt on fresh campuses begins now. For half a dozen years, none will follow.
Fresh off the press by midweek, the Federal Executive Council hit pause on fresh tertiary schools sprouting up nationwide. A freeze now holds back any new universities, polytechnics, or teacher training colleges from launching. Not one more will open its gates under current orders.
FEC made moves beyond just one change. Recognition of medical fellowships matching doctoral level work came through the Council too. Full independence returned to the literacy commission, now standing again on its own feet. Honestly? It was quite a stretch of hours.
Fresh changes across schools tie into broader efforts led by the Tinubu government. Each step reflects a shift already underway in how learning is shaped nationally.
After the FEC gathering ended, Dr Tunji Alausa shared details with reporters. The minister spoke clearly – no holding back.
What we’re seeing isn’t just a pause – it’s a push for better standards. There are plenty of colleges across Nigeria, some run by the government, others by private groups. Yet many struggle to stay open. Keeping things going feels impossible at times, particularly for those without state backing.
“Today, access is not easy in the country,” Alausa said. “We have lots of tertiary institutions, both public and private, but we need to help these private institutions become financially sustainable.”
Facts speak loud here. Data shown by the minister from JABB reveals more than 2.3 million applicants sought university entry just last year. When it comes to public schools, openings were less than 228,000. Such a difference stands out clearly now. Work it out yourself.
Fixing existing schools comes before building new ones, at least according to current plans. Seems logical? Perhaps not. Opinions shift depending on who answers.
Still, Alausa stood clear on the administration’s push to lift expectations. Though quiet, his words carried weight. Not once did he waver from that point. Behind every phrase, a steady resolve showed through. Even so, it wasn’t force but calm certainty that marked his stance. Through all remarks, one thing stayed – standards would rise.
“I am committed to ensuring that every single child and citizen of this country recieves the highest quality of education comparable to anywhere in the world,” he said.
Besides the talk of reading skills, there’s this group focused on it.
One time, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education lost its standing. That changed when FEC stepped in. Speaking on it, the minister linked the move to President Tinubu’s broader goal – reaching more than 50 million young adults in just a few years, helping them gain digital skills.
Half of Nigeria can’t read or write. That number? Fifty-six million people without literacy. Picture it – more than a generation left behind.
“We can’t continue to have a high number of citizens that are illiterate,” Alausa said. Hard to argue with that.
After that, the fellowship part showed up. Doctors have grumbled about this piece for ages.
Truth is, doctors in Nigeria push through more than ten years of training – lectures, hospital shifts, advanced courses. One day follows another with little rest. Yet when it comes to earning a professor title at a college? That part moves like molasses. Some say another degree is required. Not just any diploma – a full doctorate stacked above all else.
That official refused to accept things as they were.
“These set of people in the medical sector have spent more years than the average candidate who obtains a PhD, so we need to harmonise that,” he explained.
Approval came from FEC for changes to the medical college’s law. When lawmakers finish reviewing the bill, those who earn fellowships there will see their credentials treated like PhDs. At last.
Here’s another detail worth noting. Coverage now includes every one of the 180 Federal Unity Schools nationwide, thanks to the Council’s recent go-ahead. Not much noise was made about it. Still, it carries weight.
That meeting at FEC ran full. Six years off limits for universities, shifts in reading programs, doctor degrees getting matched up, schools covered by new insurance rules. Much moved forward. If any of it sticks where students live and learn? That piece stays unclear for now.
