Chris Jibril Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), revealed that Nigeria currently has 272 universities, 62 of which are federal, 63 state, and 148 private universities. He stated that the higher number of Private Universities indicates the desired level of Investment in the country. Maiyaki explained that the emergence of private universities in Nigeria has helped address the issue of access to education. While many of these universities are in the country, they can still not accommodate the over two million students who apply for admission annually.
He made these remarks on the 16th of April 2024 during the Maiden Matriculation and Endowment events at El-Amin University in Minna, Niger State, which ceremonies took place in the campus Auditorium. The Oath of Allegiance of El-Amin University Minna was administered to 48 matriculating students from different faculties, including Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Management, and Law. The NUC’s acting executive secretary explained to the new students at the matriculation ceremony that Education is crucial for the foundation of a society, emphasising the importance of resilience for achieving success.
Students were encouraged to adhere to the school’s principles.
His words emphasised his gratitude toward Dr. Maryam Babangida, the former First Lady and Founder of El-Amin International Schools, for her forward-thinking vision, lasting impact, and aspirations. Another important message he conveyed was encouraging the students to uphold the principles. Representing the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nigerian University System (NUS), he expressed heartfelt congratulations to El-Amin Proprietor, Board of Trustees, Chairman, Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, and other key individuals, staff, and students.
Former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was also praised and referred to as the Patron Emeritus of El-Amin University. The speaker also acknowledged that the former Nigerian leader was brave enough to dream initially. He sincerely praises him and his esteemed colleagues. Their hard work has resulted in successfully meeting all of the NUC’s requirements for establishing a Private University in Nigeria. Chris J. Maiyaki highlighted that General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s determination has led to the approval of a provisional license for El-Amin. He mentioned that despite the difficulty of the endeavour, the satisfaction and happiness of achieving a provisional license deserve recognition and celebration.
Babangida prioritises the mission of producing top graduates.
Dr. Mohammed Babangida, the pro-chancellor, emphasised their commitment to consistently producing excellent graduates. He encouraged parents and other stakeholders to emphasize providing their children with top-notch education strongly. The school has established a reputation for excellence that extends far beyond Africa. Its commitment to upholding this legacy and delivering exceptional education is evident in its programs. The first Matriculants are praised for their achievements and encouraged to continue striving for excellence in their academic endeavours. The university’s Management and staff assure them that their time at the campus will be unforgettable.
In their speeches, both Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad and Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, the Pro-Chancellor Abdulkadir Kure University of Education AKU Minna, emphasized the importance of students striving for excellence to elevate the university’s reputation nationally and internationally. They encouraged students to strive for academic success and make their families proud through their achievements. In the auditorium, Mrs. V. N. Kolo, the Registrar of El-Amin University in Minna, led the 48 Matriculating students from various faculties in taking the oath of allegiance. These faculties include Applied and Natural Sciences, Law, Management, and Social Sciences.
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Overall, the investment in Nigeria’s education sector is evident through the increasing number of universities in the country, with private institutions playing a role in addressing the issue of access to education. The recent enrollment and endowment events at El-Amin University in Minna show the commitment to academic excellence and the importance of resilience in achieving success. With General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s vision and determination, The university has successfully obtained a provisional license, showcasing a bright future for the institution.