The Federal Government has announced a seven-year pause on establishing new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, citing under-utilisation, strained resources, and falling academic standards.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa said the decision, approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, aims to “channel resources into upgrading facilities, hiring qualified staff, and expanding the carrying capacity of existing institutions.”
According to Alausa, “Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources.”
He disclosed that last year, 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, with 34 attracting none at all. Similar trends were recorded across polytechnics and colleges of education, with dozens posting zero enrolment.
“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,” the minister stated, warning that unchecked proliferation of poorly subscribed schools could worsen graduate unemployment and damage Nigeria’s academic reputation.
Despite the freeze, FEC approved nine private universities whose applications had been pending for up to six years and had met the National Universities Commission’s criteria.
Over 350 dormant applications deactivated, says Alausa
“We deactivated over 350 dormant applications and set new, stricter guidelines. Of the 79 active cases, nine met the criteria and were approved,” Alausa explained, noting that billions of naira had already been invested in the approved institutions.
The moratorium also applies to new private polytechnics and colleges of education. Alausa praised Tinubu for backing the reforms, calling the move “a reset button for Nigeria’s tertiary education.” He added, “Mr President believes fervently in education and has given us the mandate to ensure every Nigerian has access to the highest quality of education comparable to anywhere in the world.”
