The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved a seven-year ban on establishing new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, even as it cleared nine new private universities for take-off.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, who briefed reporters after the meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, said the moratorium was aimed at halting the proliferation of under-enrolled and under-resourced institutions, which he warned was dragging down academic quality.
“Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources,” he said.
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Alausa disclosed that 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications through JAMB last year, with 34 recording none. Many polytechnics and colleges of education had similarly dismal enrolment figures, including dozens with zero applicants.
The freeze, he explained, will allow government to channel resources into upgrading facilities, hiring qualified staff, and boosting the carrying capacity of existing institutions.
Despite the moratorium, FEC approved nine private universities whose applications had been pending for up to six years and had passed new, stricter NUC guidelines. The minister clarified the ban also applies to new private polytechnics and colleges of education.
“This is a reset button for Nigeria’s tertiary education,” Alausa said, praising Tinubu’s backing for the reform.
