FG Approves Two New Private Universities: A Step Towards Educational Expansion

In the Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has given a nod to the establishment of two new private universities: Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State and African School of Economics, FCT.

The approval brings the total number of private universities in the country to 149 and the total number of universities to 274.

During the presentation of provisional licenses to the two universities on February 22, 2024, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated that the institutions were approved by President Bola Tinubu at the December 13, 2023, Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Mamman emphasized the importance of prioritizing skills and entrepreneurship, which are the current focus of the government.

The provisional licenses granted to these institutions will be subject to a three-year probation period, after which they will be granted substantive licenses if they meet the requirements of quality assurance.

The government has warned that the provisional licenses may be withdrawn after three years if the universities fail to meet the full requirements.

Justifying the approval of the institutions, Mamman said that the government is ready to work with the private sector on access to university education and infrastructural development.

With Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa, the government recognizes the potential for growth and the need to cater to the needs of its growing population.

The approval of these two new private universities is a significant step towards the expansion of education in Nigeria.

The government’s commitment to quality assurance and its willingness to work with the private sector in university education and infrastructural development will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy and the betterment of its citizens.