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President Tinubu Approves 11 New Private Universities in Nigeria to Improve Higher Education

Abuja, Nigeria – March 5, 2025 – In a major step toward improving access to higher education, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of 11 new private universities in Nigeria. This decision is set to expand academic opportunities for thousands of students struggling with limited admission spaces in public universities.

With the increasing demand for higher education in Nigeria, these newly approved institutions are expected to bridge the gap between the number of students seeking university admission and the available spaces. The addition of these 11 new private universities in Nigeria is part of the government’s plan to strengthen the education sector and create more opportunities for young Nigerians.

**11 New Private Universities in Nigeria**

Addressing Nigeria’s Higher Education Crisis

For years, higher education in Nigeria has faced serious challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, frequent strikes, and limited funding in public universities. Millions of qualified students are unable to gain admission each year due to the insufficient capacity of existing institutions.

The approval of 11 new private universities in Nigeria is a direct response to this crisis. According to Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, this move aligns with Tinubu’s vision to improve educational access and learning infrastructure across the country.

By increasing the number of accredited universities, the government aims to enhance the quality of education while reducing the pressure on public institutions.

Full List of the 11 New Private Universities in Nigeria

The newly approved universities are:

New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State

With these approvals, the total number of private universities in Nigeria has risen to 159, up from 148. This reflects the growing role of private institutions in expanding higher education in Nigeria.

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How These Universities Will Benefit Nigerian Students

The introduction of 11 new private universities in Nigeria is expected to significantly improve access to quality education. Education experts believe these universities will:

Increase admission opportunities for students
Improve academic standards and research output
Reduce congestion in existing institutions
Offer specialized programs in emerging fields

A key challenge in higher education in Nigeria has been the lack of available spaces for students who pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) but fail to secure admission due to limited capacity. These new universities provide a solution to this problem.

One education expert highlighted the significance of this move:

“Every year, we turn away thousands of bright students because there just aren’t enough spaces. This expansion will give more young Nigerians a chance to pursue their dreams.”

Next Steps for the Newly Approved Universities

Before these 11 new private universities in Nigeria can begin full operations, they must meet the National Universities Commission (NUC) standards. The NUC will oversee:

Academic accreditation to ensure high-quality education
Infrastructure assessment for conducive learning environments
Compliance with national policies for higher education

The universities will undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure they meet required standards before accepting students.

Challenges and Considerations

While the establishment of 11 new private universities in Nigeria is a positive step, education experts emphasize that affordability remains a concern. Many private universities charge high tuition fees, making them inaccessible to low-income families.

For these new institutions to truly bridge the education gap, stakeholders must ensure:

Affordable tuition fees for students from all backgrounds
Scholarship opportunities for underprivileged students
Adequate funding to support academic and research programs

If these universities are properly managed, they could significantly contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria by producing skilled graduates ready for the workforce.

The Future of Higher Education in Nigeria

The approval of 11 new private universities in Nigeria signals a major shift in the country’s education sector. As they begin operations, all eyes will be on their ability to:

Deliver high-quality education
Create job opportunities for academic and non-academic staff
Enhance research and innovation
Reduce dependence on public universities

With the rising demand for higher education in Nigeria, private institutions will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that more students have access to quality learning.

However, the big question remains: Will these universities truly bridge the education gap, or will they become another avenue for expensive tuition beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians?

Only time will tell.

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