The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted provisional licenses for the establishment of 11 new private universities, further expanding the nation’s higher education landscape. This approval was announced during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on March 3, 2025, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
The newly approved institutions are:
• New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
• University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
• Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
• Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
• Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
• Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
• Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State
• Claretian University, Nekede, Imo State
• Ave-Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State
• Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State
• Maranatha University, Mgbidi, Imo State
These approvals come despite existing concerns about the proliferation of universities in Nigeria. However, Education Minister Tunji Alausa clarified that, although there is a general moratorium on the creation of new universities, these eleven applications had been pending with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and were therefore considered for approval.
The establishment of these universities underscores the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure across the country. By increasing the number of higher education institutions, the Federal Government aims to accommodate the growing demand for tertiary education and enhance access to quality learning for Nigerian students.
