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  • FG presents provisional licenses to 11 new private universities

    FG presents provisional licenses to 11 new private universities

    The federal government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has presented provisional licences to 11 newly approved private universities.

    The universities include City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annexe; and Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State.

    Others are Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom; Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara; Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos; and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State.

    Speaking at the presentation, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa noted that a true university should be a hub for education, talent development, and innovation, supported by competent staff and modern facilities, prioritising research and extending beyond local boundaries to global relevance.

    He urged the private universities to lead in academic excellence and align with national goals in STEM and technical education to address the shortage of skilled professionals in key sectors like healthcare and engineering.

    He also called for collaboration among universities, both locally and internationally, to enhance resources, credibility, and programme diversity, encouraging them to be bold, visionary, and proactive in transforming Nigeria’s higher education.

    He said: “We are therefore charging all private universities, especially the new entrants here today, to align with our national priorities of expansive STEM education. In addition to STEM, we do have science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and education sciences, as well as our technical and vocational education and training agenda.

    “These are the pillars upon which Nigeria will build its future workforce and industrial competitiveness. And the issue is the urgency of skilled professionals in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, doctors, physical therapists, and competent engineers. We are more than enough social science graduates, with due respect, but we have to be realistic here.

    “What Nigeria needs now are programme solvers, graduates with life skills that can power industries, build infrastructures, and improve the lives of engineers. Furthermore, the future of higher education is collaborative. I challenge private universities to form strategic alliances among themselves, share best practices, and even consider majors where feasible.

    “These partnerships can help pool resources, expand programme offerings, and enhance academic credibility. Beyond local collaboration, we also encourage you to forge affiliations with reputable foreign universities. I have travelled widely across the globe and know that Nigeria is an attractive destination for transnational education.”

    Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the event marked significant progress in improving access to tertiary education, urging them to uphold academic integrity.

    “These represent a significant extension of our universities’ carrying capacities and promote healthy competition and the development of Nigeria,” she said.

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, congratulated the promoters of the new universities for establishing the institutions.

    Private universities, he said, play a vital role in complementing the existing ones, noting that the process of establishment has evolved, with 159 private universities now in existence, including the newly approved ones.

    Read Also: FEC approves 11 new private universities

    He said the Commission recognises the significance of private universities in enhancing access to tertiary education, noting that the provisional license is granted for three years, after which a substantive license will be issued.

    He also urged the universities to deploy the necessary resources for their commencement and encouraged them to find effective ways of implementing the CCMASS.

    Ribadu further charged them to adhere to NUC regulations, adding that each of the new universities has been attached to an already established institution for mentorship.

    Also speaking, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, advised the institutions to exercise integrity and sincerity, not imposing religious beliefs on candidates.

  • PDP, CBN, INEC, NUC, NNPCL, others lose plots of land in Abuja

    PDP, CBN, INEC, NUC, NNPCL, others lose plots of land in Abuja

    • FCT: No going back on revocation of 4,794 properties

    Titles of landed properties belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were among 4, 794 revoked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, it was learnt yesterday.

    The titles were revoked over non-payment of ground rent, in some cases, for over 40 years.

    Those of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National Universities Commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government were also revoked.

    Others affected are the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), among others.

    In the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, 8,375 property owners have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

    Wike’s spokesman Lere Olayinka and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, briefed reporters on the revocations on Monday.

    “The FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents.

    “All these yielded little responses, as several allottees failed to pay,” the officials said.

    “This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

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    “Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.

    “A grace of 21 days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”

    PDP angered

    The action angered the PDP.

    In January 2022, the party leadership contemplated occupying three floors of the building (then under construction) in the Central Area of Abuja, and rent out the rest.

    While many had assumed that only the New PDP Secretariat building was affected, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that the Wadata Plaza national secretariat was also affected.

    Ologunagba said the PDP would challenge the revocation in court.

    “To let you know how despicable this action is, it is both properties: both the new one under construction and the one the PDP has been occupying for almost two decades – the Wadata Plaza.

    “It is an attempt to stifle opposition: the attempt by the All Progressives Congress government to revoke the Right of Occupancy of the National Secretariat of the PDP is highly condemnable.

    “It is aimed at stifling opposition in this country and of course a drive towards totalitarianism and it is a threat to democracy.

    “The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) now is meeting and I will get back to you shortly with a detailed response of our party to this development,” Ologunagba said.

  • CBN, INEC, PDP, NNPC, NUC, NDDC, others affected in Wike’s Abuja land revocation

    CBN, INEC, PDP, NNPC, NUC, NDDC, others affected in Wike’s Abuja land revocation

    More details of the owners of some of the 4, 794 land titles revoked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike have emerged. 

    Wike, through his aides, on Monday night said that the land titles were revoked over non-payment of ground rent, in some cases, for more than 40 years.

    The affected land title holders from the new details obtained by THE NATION include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Independent National Electoral commission (INEC); Nigeria’s leading opposition party – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    They also include CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National University Commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government.

    Others are Nigerian Port Authority (NPA); News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Federal Ministry of Environment; Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company; University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), among others.

    Findings revealed that most of the big names affected were owing more than 20 years ground rent.

    On Monday, the FCT minister’s office announced the revocation of 4,794 land titles, over non-payment of ground rent, for more than 40 years.

    In the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

    The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, made the announcement while briefing reporters in Abuja on Monday.

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    “It should be noted that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents. All these yielded little responses, as several allottees failed to pay.

    Olayinka said lists of land titles in default of payment of Ground Rent were compiled in the 10 oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital city (FCC), which are Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).

    He added that N6,967,980,119 was owed as ground rent by 8,375 property owners.

    He also said a total of 4,794 land titles were in default of ground rent payment for 10 years and above.

    “This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

    “Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.

    “A grace of 21 days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”

  • C/River gets NUC’s nod to establish Education, Entrepreneurship varsity

    C/River gets NUC’s nod to establish Education, Entrepreneurship varsity

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship.

    With the approval, Nigeria now has 67t state universities.

    The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Abdullahi Ribadu stated this on Tuesday while presenting the recognition letter to the Governor, Bassey Otu at the headquarters of NUC in Abuja.

    He said the approval marked a significant milestone for the state, as it aims to foster innovation, educational development, and entrepreneurship within the region.

    The new institution, he said, is expected to provide quality education with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern economy.

    Ribadu said the approval reflected a commitment to advancing higher education and contributing to the socio-economic development of Cross River State and beyond.

    He said: “The approval of this proposed university or this university shall be in line with our mandates to regulate and maintain quality assurance in the Nigerian university system.

    “Cross River State has a rich and evolving higher education landscape with institutions that foster academic excellence, research, and community development. Currently, the state is home to six notable universities comprising a federal, a state, and four private universities among tertiary institutions.

    “The Cross River State Government has played a significant role in expanding access to quality higher education through policies, infrastructure development, funding, and now the establishment of a second state-owned university, which further underscores the government’s commitment to expanding higher education opportunities.”

    He commended the state government’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the educational advancement of the people.

    “As we celebrate this achievement, I urge all stakeholders, governments, officials, university administrators, faculty members, and students to work collaboratively to ensure that the institution thrives and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, research excellence, and good governance.

    “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this university does not only add to the number of institutions in the country, but stands out as a beacon of learning, character, development, and social transformation. The National Universities Commission will continue to provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure that the Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship attains its full potential,” he added.

    Speaking, the governor, who was represented by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, said the establishment of the university is a dream come true in the history of education in Cross River State.

    He said: “We have dreamt for this day. We have worked for this day. And coming this far, we appreciate the effort of the NUC in guiding us, supporting us, and giving us all the directions to do what today is merely a fulfillment.

    “Executive Secretary, it is therefore my honor and privilege to, as a matter of fact, present to you, on behalf of the Governor, what we have tirelessly done.

    “By our midwifery, the academic briefs, the master plan, and university law as contained in these packages.

    “We believe that these packages, as they are, contain all the requirements for equity the NUC requires, and we are here to present them to you to tell the Commission that we are ready, we are prepared to start the University of Education and Entrepreneurship.”

    He said the establishment of the university will solve the problem of unemployment.

  • JUST IN: NUC increases private university application fees by over 400%

    JUST IN: NUC increases private university application fees by over 400%

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a significant increase in the application fees for establishing private universities in Nigeria.

    In a statement on Monday, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, explained the hike aims to enhance coordination and ensure that newly established private universities are equipped to tackle 21st-century challenges.

    The fee for purchasing application forms has risen from N1 million to N5 million. The processing fee has been increased from N5 million to N25 million.

    The NUC clarified that the revised N25 million processing fee would apply to applicants who previously purchased forms at the old rate but have yet to pay the processing fee.

    “They are also expected to effect payments within a period of 30 working days or risk forfeiture of their pending applications,” the statement reads. 

    The Commission further announced a one-year moratorium on all inactive applications including those of private open universities (those that have not made progress on their applications or made submissions to the Commission for upwards of two years).

    Read Also: NUC approved new varsity of ICT for Ebonyi

    “The Commission hereby imposes a Moratorium for a period of one year with effect from Monday, 10th February, 2025 on:

    “Inactive applications for the establishment of new private universities to enable the Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of such pending applications with a view to determining their viability;

    “Applications on Step 1 of the 14-Step Procedure (i.e. those that have submitted Letters of Intent only), and

    “Acceptance of fresh applications for the establishment of private universities, including private open universities.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission will continue to process pending active applications and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Executive Council for approval,” the statement added.

  • FUOYE secures NUC approval for 22 new programmes under Fasina

    FUOYE secures NUC approval for 22 new programmes under Fasina

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 22 new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). 

    A statement by the Special Adviser Media to the Vice Chancellor Dr Wole Balogun explained the achievement marks another step forward in FUOYE’s commitment to academic growth and excellence.

    The announcement follows determined efforts by the management team led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to broaden the university’s academic offerings. 

    This included a formal invitation extended to the NUC to assess existing facilities in preparation for the swift take-off of the programmes.

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    His leadership bore fruit when the NUC conveyed its approval via a letter signed by Mr Abubakar M. Girei, Acting Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary. The letter stated:

    “I am directed to inform the Vice-Chancellor that the Acting Executive Secretary has approved the establishment of the following full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to commence at the main campus of the university from the 2024/2025 academic session,” it reads.

    The newly approved programmes include three undergraduate degrees: B.Eng. Information and Communication Engineering, B.Eng. Software Engineering, and B.Sc. Cyber Security.

    For postgraduate studies, the approved programmes are: PGDE (Education), PGD Science Education, PGD Criminology and Security Studies, and PGD Educational Management.

    The university will now also offer M.Sc. and PhD in Science Education, M.Sc. and PhD in Criminology and Security Studies, M.Ed. and PhD in Business Education, and M.Ed. and PhD in Educational Management.

    The list also includes five professional Masters programmes: Forensic Accounting, Financial Fraud Investigation and Intelligence, Public Finance Management, Crime Investigative Management, and Criminology and Security Studies.

    This milestone reflects FUOYE’s progressive strides under Professor Fasina’s administration, further cementing its status as a forward-looking institution committed to academic excellence and innovation.

  • MAAUN gets NUC approval to commence medicine, architecture, other programmes

    MAAUN gets NUC approval to commence medicine, architecture, other programmes

    The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano has received official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence Medicine, Architecture, and other academic programmes.

    The ratification was announced by Dr. Habeeb Awaisu, Vice President of Administration, when he received participants in the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship on a guided tour of the institution.

    Awaisu said apart from the nod to commence Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), the School of Environmental Sciences got authorization for degree programmes in Architecture and Quantity Surveying. The Law programme was earlier approved.

    The official confirmed that before granting accreditation, the NUC conducted a thorough inspection of the university’s resources, including modern faculty infrastructure, academic materials, and highly qualified staff members.

    “This approval showcases MAAUN’s determination to deliver high-quality education, backed by state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced lecturers. There are now 22 undergraduate programmes, spanning social sciences, health, law, and medicine.

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    “The School of Social & Management Sciences (SSMS) offers degree programmes in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Human Resources Management, International Relations, Mass Communication, and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

    “The School of Computing (SC), MAAUN offers degree programmes in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Data Science and Information Systems.

    “The School of Health Sciences (SHS) offers degree programmes in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Public Health; the School of Nursing Sciences offers BSc. Nursing Science,” Awaisu added.

    Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Coordinator of the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation, highlighted that the NUC approval “is not just a reflection of MAAUN’s growth but also a response to the increasing demand for quality higher education in Nigeria.”

    Sufi, a senior lecturer in the university, quoted the founder’s belief that education is fundamental to addressing the pressing issues facing the Northern region. “By equipping our youth with knowledge, we can tackle the multifaceted challenges confronting our nation,” he said.

    Yushau Shuaib, CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, praised the university for upholding high academic standards. He described the NUC accreditation as a testament to MAAUN’s commitment to delivering world-class education.

    “This milestone signifies another important step in the school’s mission to provide quality education while addressing regional and national challenges through innovative academic programmes,” the PRNigeria publisher noted.

  • JUST IN: NUC approves new varsity for Niger

    JUST IN: NUC approves new varsity for Niger

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given approval for the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action in Mokwa, Niger State for the state government. 

    The commission’s approval was conveyed in a letter signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki and addressed to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago and dated December 2, 2024.

    Maiyaki said with the letter, the new university is now recognised as the 65th state university in Nigeria and the 277th in the Nigerian University System.

    The letter stated: “Consequent upon the receipt of the Niger State Government’s letter dated 2nd October, 2024, notifying the National Universities Commission (NUC) of the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, and the formal presentation of the Strategic documents, including the relevant gazetted University Law, Academic Brief, and Physical Master Plan, I write, on behalf of the National Universities Commission (NUC), to inform His Excellency, that with effect from Monday 2nd December, 2024, Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger State, has been recognised as the 65th State University and 277th University in the Nigerian University System.

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    “The National Universities Commission, hereby, pledges its support to the University. We also enjoin His Excellency and the Niger State Government to take full advantage of the professional and technical advice that the Commission is statutorily required to provide State Governments on the establishment, sustainable funding, and operation of their universities.

    “By a copy of this letter, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), are being notified of the establishment of the University.

    “I wish to congratulate His Excellency, and the good people of Niger State, on the establishment of Abudulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, to be located in Mokwa, Niger State.

    “Please, accept the assurances of my highest considerations.”

  • NUC to leverage transnational-education initiative to boost university intake

    NUC to leverage transnational-education initiative to boost university intake

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) on Tuesday said it will leverage foreign investors’ transnational-education initiative to enhance enrolment and bridge the gap on demand and supply for higher education in Nigeria.

    Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Dr. Chris Maiyaki, disclosed this at the maiden Annual General Meeting of the International Studies Alumni Association, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.

    Maiyaki, who was also the chairman of the occasion, said NUC was confronted with a huge gap between demand and supply, adding that about two million prospective students seek administration into Nigerian universities annually.

    According to him, the 274 nation’s universities put together can only accommodate between 500,000 and 700,000 applicants; “by this scenario, a huge chunk of the applicants are left unaccounted for.

    “As a matter of policy, the NUC consummated a transnational-education initiative where foreign investors would come into the country and open branch campuses and undertake training arrangements, open teaching institutions among other several arrangements.”

    The initiative, he said, would be under strict adherence to the regulatory provisions of the NUC.

    While reflecting on the AGM, Maiyaki said: “At a moment like this, we need to look back to our alma-mater towards harnessing its potentials.”

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    He added that alumni were potential sources of support all over the world and commended the interim committee of the International Studies Alumni Association for its ability to galvanise resources for the AGM.

    Maiyaki urged the Departmental Alumni and general body of ABU Alumni Association to tap on their huge resources, networks and groups’ dynamics to bear in moving forward the frontier of knowledge starting with ABU.

    Earlier, Alhaji Muntari Kaita, the Interim Chairman of the Association said the association consists of seasoned diplomats, academicians, specialised diplomatic journalists and other professionals.

    Kaita said the aim of the association was to encourage relationships between the university community and the association.

    “Our members are determined to create synergy of giving back to our great alma-mater in order to motivate the lecturers and students to aspire for greater heights.

    “In doing so, the association has donated hundreds of books and other literary works to the Department of Political Science and International Studies Library,’’ Kaita said.

    The event featured presentation of public lecture titled “ECOWAS and challenges of regional integration in Africa” by Prof. Abdullahi Shehu.

    The ceremony was also accompanied with an election of new executives for the association.

  • NUC accredits 31 LAUTECH programmes

    NUC accredits 31 LAUTECH programmes

    • VC hails Makinde

    Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has recorded 100 per cent success in the accreditation of its courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC), as the commission has accredited 31 programmes presented by the university.

    Vice Chancellor Prof. Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu made this known in a letter addressed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde through the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Deji Omole.

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    He hailed the governor for his magnanimity and support for the university, which, he noted, ensured the success of the accreditation.