Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, has presented provisional licences to 11 newly approved private universities, marking a step towards expanding access and improving the quality of tertiary education in the country.
At the presentation ceremony held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the minister urged Nigerian universities to prioritise research, stating that a true university should be a centre of learning, talent development, and innovation.
“Supported by competent staff and modern facilities, universities must prioritise research and strive for global relevance,” he said.
The newly licensed institutions include:
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City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
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University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
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Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT
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Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annex
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Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
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Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom
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Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
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Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
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Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
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Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
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Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
Alausa charged the universities to lead in academic excellence and align their programmes with national development goals, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and technical education. These, he said, are essential to addressing the country’s shortage of skilled professionals in critical sectors such as healthcare and engineering.
“We must focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, education, and vocational training. These are the pillars on which Nigeria will build its future workforce and industrial competitiveness,” he said.
“There is an urgent need for professionals in nursing, pharmacy, medicine, physiotherapy, and engineering. Nigeria needs problem-solvers—graduates equipped with life skills to drive industry, build infrastructure, and improve livelihoods.”
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He encouraged private universities to explore strategic partnerships, share best practices, and where feasible, introduce joint academic programmes. He also urged them to collaborate with reputable international universities, noting Nigeria’s attractiveness for transnational education.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, described the occasion as a milestone in expanding access to higher education. She encouraged the institutions to uphold academic integrity and contribute to healthy competition and national development.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, congratulated the promoters of the new institutions. He acknowledged the critical role of private universities in complementing the public tertiary system, revealing that Nigeria now has 159 licensed private universities.
He explained that the provisional licence is valid for three years, after which the institutions will be assessed for the award of a full licence.
“The Commission will conduct periodic visitations to ensure that both human and material resources meet required standards. We will enforce quality assurance to make our universities globally competitive,” he stated.
Ribadu also urged the new institutions to deploy adequate resources for take-off and to implement the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). Each university, he added, has been paired with a more established institution for mentorship.
Also speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, advised the universities to maintain integrity and avoid imposing religious beliefs on students.
On behalf of the new university proprietors, Dr Tony Iredia, founder of Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, appealed to the federal government for a shorter moratorium period. He also called for increased support and collaboration to ensure the success of the newly established universities.
