The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
This aims to address the proliferation of underutilized universities and other institutions and enhance the quality of tertiary education.
The decision, approved during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, marks a significant shift in national education policy.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa revealed the move, stating that the focus would now shift to strengthening existing institutions.
“Access to tertiary education in Nigeria is no longer the problem. The unchecked duplication of federal institutions has stretched resources thin, resulting in deteriorating infrastructure and declining graduate quality,” he explained.
Alausa cited alarming statistics, noting that 199 universities had fewer than 100 applicants via JAMB last year, with 34 recording zero interest, while 64 colleges of education saw no applicants at all.
The minister highlighted inefficiencies, such as a northern university with 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students, underscoring the need to optimize existing facilities.
“If we want to improve quality and not be a laughing stock globally, the pragmatic step is to pause the establishment of new federal institutions,” he said.
The moratorium will allow the government to upgrade infrastructure, recruit qualified staff, and expand capacities, aligning with Tinubu’s vision for world-class education.
Despite the ban, nine new private universities were approved, addressing long-pending applications that passed rigorous evaluations.
Alausa emphasized that similar restrictions would soon apply to private polytechnics and colleges to prevent further overexpansion.
