The Federal Government of Nigeria has temporarily suspended applications for the establishment of private universities in the country for the next one year. The Government gave as reason, the need for a comprehensive review of the regulatory guidelines.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, on Monday.
According to Commission, the suspension takes effect from February10, 2025 and lasts for the next one year.
NUC, however, noted that the suspension only affects new submissions. Also affected by the directive are inactive applications and proposals that have not advanced beyond the letter of intent stage.
The statement added that active pending applications will be reviewed. And that appropriate recommendations will be made to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
The statement read in part, “The Commission, in its efforts at repositioning private universities in Nigeria to better meet the needs of the citizenry and for better coordination of the development of the private university education sub-sector of the Nigerian University System (NUS), has identified the need to review the guidelines for the establishment of private universities. This is to ensure that newly established private universities are positioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
NUC also announced increase in the application fees from N1 million to N5 million. The processing fee from N5 million to N25 million.
The Commission also directed applicants who have already purchased forms to pay the revised processing fee within 30 working days. Or risk forfeiting their applications.
“The NUC will convey the reviewed processing fee of N25 million to applicants that have purchased application forms only. They are also expected to effect payments within a period of 30 working days. Or risk forfeiture of their pending applications,” the statement added.
Recall that there has been an upsurge in the establishment of private universities in Nigeria of late. This follows the first three private universities in Nigeria –Babcock University, Igbinedion University and Madonna University that were established in 1999.
According to NUC, by 2024, the figure of private universities in the country has risen to 149. Surpassing the number of Federal and State universities in the country put together.
source: Premium Times
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