FG Imposes Six-Year Moratorium on New Private Varsities
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions across the country.
The decision, taken at a council meeting, affects the creation of new universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The move is aimed at strengthening the quality, sustainability and capacity of existing institutions, particularly private universities.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the policy was introduced to address financial and structural challenges facing many tertiary institutions. He noted that while demand for higher education remains high, numerous institutions are struggling to remain viable.
Citing data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the minister disclosed that more than 2.3 million candidates applied for university admission last year, whereas public institutions had fewer than 228,000 available spaces. He explained that the moratorium would allow government to focus on consolidating and improving the performance of existing institutions rather than licensing new ones.
In a related development, FEC approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education as an independent commission. The move is part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s literacy deficit and expand access to digital and basic education skills, particularly among adults.
The council also approved amendments to the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria Act to recognise medical fellowship qualifications as equivalent to doctoral degrees. The reform seeks to remove career limitations faced by medical professionals who undergo extended years of training but are required to obtain PhDs before qualifying for professorial appointments.
Additionally, FEC approved comprehensive insurance coverage for the country’s 180 Federal Unity Schools as part of wider reforms in the education sector.
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