By Sahel Reporters – Abuja
The Federal Government has announced a seven-year suspension on establishing new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, citing under-utilisation of existing facilities, overstretched resources, and declining academic standards.
The decision, approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, followed a presentation by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
Alausa said the challenge facing Nigeria’s tertiary education was no longer access, but the proliferation of institutions with poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and low enrolment.
He noted that several federal universities operate below capacity, with some enrolling fewer than 2,000 students, and revealed that one northern university has 1,200 staff members serving fewer than 800 students.
Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) showed that 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications in 2024, while 34 recorded none. Many of the country’s 295 polytechnics and 219 colleges of education also reported similarly low figures, with dozens receiving no applications at all.
According to the minister, unchecked expansion of poorly subscribed institutions risks producing ill-prepared graduates, devaluing Nigerian degrees, and worsening unemployment.
The moratorium, he explained, will allow the government to focus on upgrading facilities, recruiting qualified staff, and expanding the capacity of existing schools.
Despite the freeze, nine new private universities were approved, having undergone lengthy evaluation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Alausa said the move also extends to private polytechnics and colleges of education to prevent under-enrolment.
Describing the decision as a “reset button” for tertiary education, Alausa commended President Tinubu’s support, saying the administration is committed to delivering world-class education to Nigerians.
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