The National Universities Commission, NUC, has approved the establishment of 11 new private universities in Nigeria, pushing the total number of licensed private institutions in the country to 159.
This development was disclosed in a notice issued to media correspondents, signaling a major step forward in the country’s efforts to expand access to higher education. “The NUC will issue provisional licenses to 11 new private universities at the NUC auditorium by 3:00 pm,” the notice stated.
Earlier in the year, the Federal Government had placed a temporary ban on the approval of new private universities, citing the need for a review of the process. However, the government clarified that institutions that had reached advanced stages of assessment and met all regulatory requirements would still be considered.
These new approvals reflect the continuation of a careful and selective licensing process. The universities are distributed across several regions, including Ogun, Ondo, the Federal Capital Territory, Osun, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Lagos, and Enugu.
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The institutions specialize in diverse academic offerings ranging from aeronautics and communication to general education and management.
This move is expected to bolster educational access and contribute to national development by easing pressure on existing public universities and offering students more options for quality tertiary education.
With this addition, stakeholders in the education sector are optimistic about the potential to further close the gaps in enrollment capacity, provide job opportunities, and foster innovation in the higher education system.
Crediblenewsng.com
