The NUC disclosed this information in a notice circulated to media outlets in Abuja. According to the brief statement issued by the commission, the official licensing ceremony for the eleven new institutions will take place at the NUC auditorium at 3:00 PM today.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of a recent directive from the Federal Government earlier this year, which placed a temporary moratorium on the issuance of licenses to new private universities. However, the government had clarified that applications already in advanced stages of review would continue to be assessed and approved if they met the stipulated criteria.
The list of the eleven newly licensed private universities includes institutions spread across various states in Nigeria:
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annexe, Osun State
- Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
- Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
- Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
- Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
- Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
The licensing of these new private universities suggests that these institutions successfully navigated the NUC's rigorous accreditation process and fulfilled the necessary requirements, even amidst the Federal Government's temporary suspension. This increase in the number of private universities is expected to further expand access to tertiary education in Nigeria and potentially offer a wider range of specialized academic programs.
The development may also reignite discussions surrounding the role and regulation of private universities in Nigeria's higher education landscape. While proponents argue that private institutions contribute to increased access and diversification of educational offerings, others raise concerns about quality control and affordability.
Today's licensing ceremony marks a significant step for these eleven aspiring universities as they embark on their academic journeys and contribute to the Nigerian educational sector. The higher education community and prospective students will be keenly observing their development and impact in the years to come.