To strengthen Nigeria’s Higher Education sector, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced a strict fourteen-step procedure for establishing private universities. The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the union, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, emphasising the need for academic and infrastructural excellence before any new private institution is granted operational approval. The new directive outlines a thorough process that individuals or organisations must follow, including multiple assessments, Security screenings, and approvals at different levels of governance.
Under the newly unveiled process, prospective proprietors must first submit a formal application expressing their intent to establish a university, followed by an interview conducted by the union. Upon approval, they must collect and submit application forms alongside all relevant documentation for intensive review by experts in various departments. Further scrutiny follows, with proprietors expected to revise their submissions based on recommendations from the Directorate of Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU). An interactive meeting between DEPU and the proposed university’s team will then occur to clarify and refine expectations before the first physical site assessment. If necessary, additional revisions to documentation will be required before a second and final site assessment is conducted.
Approval process and security screening for proprietors.
Beyond infrastructural evaluations, the security and integrity of proprietors and the Board of Trustees will undergo strict screening. The results of these evaluations will determine whether the proposed institution proceeds to the next approval stage by the NUC Management, followed by the NUC board. Final approval rests with the Federal Executive Council (FEC), ensuring that the new university aligns with national priorities and meets the highest standards of academic excellence. These highlight the government’s commitment to regulating and enhancing the quality of private universities in the country.
In addition to the procedural updates, the Federal Government has announced a one-year moratorium on creating new private universities. This decision, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, is intended to allow time for critical reforms to improve the quality and Sustainability of private institutions nationwide. The move comes amid concerns over the growing number of private universities and their relatively low contribution to student admissions. Despite comprising more than half of the total institutions in the country, private institutions account for less than 10% of overall university admissions.
Ensuring private universities align with national development goals.
Dr. Alausa has emphasised that future approvals will only be granted to institutions that can demonstrate financial stability, academic readiness, and the ability to sustain long-term growth. This includes meeting the latest educational demands and aligning with the country’s broader vision for higher education. As part of this reform initiative, the NUC has been directed to review all pending applications for new private schools. This review will assess their viability based on current standards and the nation’s educational needs. Additionally, guidelines for setting up private institutions will be updated to ensure a more thorough and sustainable framework for future establishments.
These changes are significant in the country’s efforts to enhance its higher Education system. The government aims to create an environment where only high-quality institutions can thrive by implementing more stringent requirements and temporarily halting new university approvals. The emphasis on rigorous vetting, security screening, and infrastructural assessment ensures that private schools are not just increasing in number but also in quality. These reforms signify a commitment to maintaining high academic standards and ensuring that private universities contribute meaningfully to national development.
Related Article: NUC Approves 5 New Degrees for Poly, Bauchi
As part of the Nigerian government agency, the union was established in 1962 under the Federal Ministry of Education. The NUC regulates institutions, approves new institutions and programs, sets minimum academic standards, and ensures quality assurance. It coordinates university development, allocates funds, and advises the government on higher education policies and strategies. Essentially, the union is crucial in maintaining and improving the quality of university education across the country. However, as these new policies take effect, stakeholders in the education sector will closely monitor how they impact Private School quality and sustainability.