Nigeria gives licenses to 11 new universities

Minister stresses need for quality education in science, technology, engineering

ABUJA, Nigeria (MNTV) – The Nigerian government has given operational licenses to 11 newly approved private universities to expand access to quality tertiary education, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.  

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, at the presentation of the licenses to the new private universities in Abuja on Wednesday, said it was sequel to the approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

Alausa said the approval was in line with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative designed to restore the glory of Nigeria’s educational system.

“This ceremony is not only a celebration of your achievements, but also a renewed call to action in building a future-ready and globally competitive Nigerian university system,” he said.

He highlighted the urgency of steering Nigeria’s higher education toward priority fields such as STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences)

“Nigeria has more than enough social science graduates. What we need now are problem-solvers graduates with life skills who can drive industries, build infrastructure, and improve lives,” he said.

“We must acknowledge an uncomfortable truth that, while we now have 159 licensed private universities, too many are failing to meet the quality standards Nigeria demands,” he added.

“Private universities must rise to the challenge of delivering high-quality, relevant education that meets the demands of a modern economy.”