The Nigerian Government has approved the establishment of two new private universities, which brings the total number of private Universities in the nation to 149.
The two new Universities are Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State, Northwest Nigeria, and the African School of Economics, located in Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
This brings the total number of public and private Universities in Nigeria to 274
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman at the presentation of provisional licenses to the Two Universities said the approvals were given by President Bola Tinubu at the December 13, 2023, Federal Executive Council meeting.
Professor Tahir Mamman urged the new Universities to aim to achieve excellence in programmes introduced on their campuses as well as ensure the highest standards in all their operations.
“It is expected that you will spare no effort to ensure the highest standards in your operations through the adoption of best practices and, aim to achieve excellence in your programs,” he said.
He cautioned that the ministry while striving to increase university education enrollment in Nigeria will not compromise standards as such the institutions should sustain funding for infrastructure, equipment, and human resources to ensure full accreditation.
“Create and maintain an environment that will enable students to cultivate critical life skills and the core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and sound judgment.
“As we look forward to working with the newly established and existing Universities, we remain unwavering in our resolve to achieve a University System that competes favorably with its contemporaries and embodies the 21-century best practices around the globe
“I will continue to follow with keen interest the activities of the NUC at sanitizing the system, as the sole regulatory agency of University Education in the country,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s population is forecasted to increase up to four hundred million by the year 2050 as such there should be a sense of urgency in preparation to cater to the needs of this anticipated population.
“Government being well aware that education holds the key to the preparation we speak of, will continue to welcome partnership with the private sector, especially in the area of university education,” he said.
He called on the institutions to ensure that the admission of students (in undergraduate programs) is carried out through the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).
The Acting Executive Secretary of, the National Universities Commission, NUC, Chris Maiyaki, said private universities play unique roles in the Nigerian university system by bringing innovative postures, Eve as the commission embarks on radical reengineering of curricula to meet best global standards.
“It is also pertinent that the establishment of more private universities, under the strict supervision of the NUC is an important antidote to the proliferation of illegal universities or degree mills across the country.
“I wish to enjoin you to acquaint yourselves with the code of governance for private universities which aims to enhance the successful running and sustainability of institutions.
He appealed to the founders and the institution to see the venture as a social service and journey of passion rather than a profit-making outfit.
Dominica Nwabufo
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