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FG Bans Creation of New Federal Universities, Others For Seven Years.
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Decision aims to improve infrastructure, manpower, and academic quality.
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Many existing schools have low student enrolment but large staff numbers
The Federal Government has announced a seven-year suspension on the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions across the country.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the decision, approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
The moratorium applies to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. According to Alausa, the move is aimed at improving the quality of existing institutions, which have been plagued by declining infrastructure and a shortage of qualified personnel.
“Our challenge is no longer access to federal tertiary education, but the proliferation of new institutions without adequate resources,” the minister said. “This has led to duplication, weakened capacity, and deterioration in physical facilities and manpower. If unchecked, it will cause a severe drop in educational quality and erode the international reputation of Nigerian graduates.”
He highlighted inefficiencies in the system, noting that some institutions have more staff than students. For example, one federal university reportedly has fewer than 800 students but employs 1,200 staff members.
Statistics from the ministry show that in the 2024/2025 academic session, 199 universities recorded fewer than 100 applicants through JAMB, while 34 had none. Additionally, 295 polytechnics had fewer than 100 applicants, and 64 colleges of education recorded zero applicants.
Currently, Nigeria has 72 federal universities, 42 federal polytechnics, and 28 federal colleges of education, in addition to numerous state and private institutions.
Alausa commended President Tinubu for what he described as his “political will and commitment” to addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector.
