In a significant move to expand access to higher education, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved provisional licenses for 11 new private universities across Nigeria. The approval was granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, as confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
According to the statement, the President remains committed to “expanding the frontiers of educational opportunities and infrastructure” in the country.
The newly approved private universities are:
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annex
- Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
- Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
- Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
- Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City
- Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
With these approvals, the number of private universities in Nigeria has now risen to 159, up from the previous count of 148.
The move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to improve higher education infrastructure and increase educational opportunities for Nigerian students. By encouraging private sector participation in the university system, the administration aims to address challenges related to access, quality, and capacity in the country’s tertiary education sector.
