Tinubu-Led FEC Revives Literacy Commission, Approves University Moratorium

Tinubu-Led FEC Revives Literacy Commission, Approves University Moratorium
Recognises Medical Fellowships as PhD Equivalent
Freezes New Tertiary Institution for Six Years

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education as a full-fledged independent commission as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing literacy gap.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that thedecision was taken at a meeting of the council chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

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Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the commission had previously been downgraded to a department within the ministry but would now return to its former status to strengthen literacy programmes nationwide.

According to him, the move aligns with the administration’s plan to educate more than 50 million Nigerians and equip them with digital literacy skills within the next few years.

Alausa noted that Nigeria currently has about 56 million illiterate citizens, stressing that urgent action is required to address the challenge. He explained that the commission, originally established in 2013, will expand its activities, especially in rural communities, through initiatives such as radio and television programmes, public advocacy campaigns and community learning centres.

The council also approved a major reform in medical education by recognising fellowships from postgraduate medical colleges as equivalent to a PhD for academic and professional purposes.

Tinubu-Led FEC Revives Literacy Commission, Approves University Moratorium — Tinubu at FEC Meeting

The minister explained that the reform seeks to remove long-standing barriers affecting highly specialised medical practitioners who often face difficulties progressing in academic careers despite years of advanced training and professional fellowship.

To implement the reform, amendments will be made to the law establishing the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Once the proposed bill is transmitted to the National Assembly and passed, medical fellowships will be recognised as equivalent to doctoral degrees in the country.

In another major decision, the council approved a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Alausa said the temporary halt is intended to allow the government focus on improving quality, infrastructure and sustainability within existing institutions rather than expanding the number of schools.

He cited data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board showing that more than 2.3 million candidates applied for admission last year, while public universities could accommodate fewer than 228,000 students.

The minister said the government would work toward improving standards in both public and private institutions while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of private universities.

The council also approved a comprehensive insurance plan for the country’s 180 Federal Unity Schools to protect critical infrastructure and assets against risks such as fire and other unforeseen incidents.