By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Federal Government has declared a seven-year suspension on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The move, it says, is to address the unchecked growth of under-utilised institutions, strain on limited resources, and declining academic standards.
This decision followed deliberations at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. It was based on a presentation by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
While the freeze applies to new federal tertiary institutions, FEC simultaneously gave the nod to the establishment of nine universities.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Alausa explained that the significant challenge in the nation’s tertiary education was no longer access but duplication of institutions, poor infrastructure, insufficient workforce, and dwindling student numbers.
He pointed out that several federal universities operate at far below optimal capacity, with some hosting fewer than 2,000 students.
“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 stated.
Alausa revealed that last year, 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications via the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while 34 recorded no applications at all.
*Mulls review of polytechnic act to allow award of bachelor’s degree
He noted that of the country’s 295 polytechnics, many recorded under 99 applicants, while 219 colleges of education also suffered low enrolment, including 64 that attracted no applications.
He warned that the unchecked proliferation of institutions with poor subscription risked producing inadequately trained graduates, diminishing the value of Nigerian degrees internationally, and deepening unemployment.
According to him, the moratorium will allow the government to redirect resources toward upgrading infrastructure, hiring qualified personnel, and expanding the capacity of existing schools.
“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.
He said as part of the broader reforms, the government is also reviewing the Polytechnic Act to allow polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees, addressing the current imbalance where university education is preferred over polytechnic education.
Nigeria presently boasts 72 federal universities, 42 federal polytechnics, and 28 federal colleges of education, alongside hundreds of state-owned and private institutions and specialised schools, such as those for agriculture, health sciences, and nursing.
Although the ban affects both federal and private polytechnics and colleges of education, the nine newly approved universities are privately owned and had their applications pending for up to six years.
The Minister explained that these proposals had undergone rigorous screening by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“When we assumed office, there were 551 applications for private universities. Many had been stuck due to inefficiencies at the NUC.
“We deactivated over 350 dormant applications and set new, stricter guidelines. Of the 79 active cases, nine met the criteria and were approved,” Alausa said.
He added that billions of naira had already been invested in infrastructure for these approved institutions.
Alausa applauded President Tinubu’s backing for the reform, describing it as a crucial step to recalibrate the tertiary education system.
“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,” he added.
