Tinubu Approves 11 New Private Universities Amid One-Year Licensing Freeze

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved provisional licenses for 11 new private universities across Nigeria, marking a significant expansion in the nation’s higher education sector. 

The approvals were granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday, 3 March 2025, at the State House in Abuja. 

The newly licensed institutions are:

1. New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State

2. University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State

3. Eranova University, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory

4. Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State

5. Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State

6. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

7. Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State

8. Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State

9. Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State

10. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State

11. Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State

These additions bring the total number of private universities in Nigeria to 159 out of 298 universities nationwide. 

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that the approvals followed the completion of the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) rigorous 13-step assessment process. 

He also revealed that the federal government has imposed a one-year moratorium, effective February 10, 2025, on the establishment of new private universities. 

This pause aims to facilitate a comprehensive review of pending applications and ensure that new institutions are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

The NUC has also increased the application and processing fees for establishing private universities from N1 million to N5 million and from N5 million to N25 million, respectively. 

Applicants are expected to effect payments within 30 working days or risk forfeiture of their pending applications. 

President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure, with the goal of addressing Nigeria’s increasing demand for higher education.