Federal Government Bans Creation of New Tertiary Institutions For 6 Years
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government imposes a six-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions across Nigeria
- Education Minister Tunji Alausa cites sustainability issues facing existing institutions as the reason for the moratorium
- The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves amendments to recognise medical fellowships as equivalent to PhD degrees in Nigeria
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has imposed a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the moratorium includes universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Source: Facebook
Alausa said it is aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of existing tertiary institutions, particularly private universities.
He said most Nigerian tertiary institutions are struggling with sustainability challenges.
As reported by Arise News, he, however, admitted that the demand for higher education remains high.
“We have lots of tertiary institutions, both public and private. We need to help these private institutions be sustainable financially.”
The minister said the moratorium forms part of reforms in the education sector approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to The Nation, he said the moratorium will allow the government to focus on strengthening existing institutions and improving the quality of education across the system.
Alausa also announced the FEC’s approval of amendments to the National Postgraduate Medical College Act to recognise medical fellowship qualifications as equivalent to PhD degrees.
He explained that many doctors spend more than a decade undergoing medical training, residency and fellowship programmes, yet still require a PhD to qualify for professorial appointments in universities.
“This 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.”
Source: Twitter
NUC approves 33 new universities in 2025
Recall that the National Universties Commission (NUC) approved 33 new universities to enhance education for Nigerian youths in 2025.
Nigeria's university count stood at 309, with private institutions leading the at 168.
New federal, state, and private universities spanned multiple states, expanding access to higher education across the country.
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- Ban on New Federal Tertiary Institutions, 3 Other Things Tinubu’s Govt Has Blocked Recently
- FG Approves 9 New Private Varsities, Full List, Locations Emerge
- Full List of Newly Approved Federal, State and Private Universities In Nigeria
FG lifts ban on foreign universities
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that NUC announced it had lifted the ban on foreign universities operating in Nigeria, opening the door for global partnerships in higher education.
Professor Abdulahi Yusufu Ribadu said the move was aimed at boosting foreign direct investment and making Nigerian universities more competitive worldwide.
The announcement came during Gregory University’s 10th Convocation in Abia State, where sweeping reforms in curriculum and governance were also unveiled
Source: Legit.ng
