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Tag: universities

  • JUST IN: Universities adopt 150 as cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admission

    JUST IN: Universities adopt 150 as cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admission

    Vice Chancellors of Universities in the country have adopted 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admission.

    The decision was reached in a voice vote supervised by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Tuesday at the ongoing policy meeting on admission in Abuja.

    Read Also: FG urges universities to drive climate research, support net zero target by 2060

    At the meeting, the minimum cut-off point for admission into polytechnics was pegged at 100, while the colleges of education and agriculture adopted 100 as the entry point.

    Colleges of nursing adopted 140 as the entry point for admission.

    Details shortly… 

  • Role of universities in character building

    Role of universities in character building

    Sir: Recently, a few colleagues and I had the privilege of interviewing Dr Emmanuel T. Abraham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Topfaith University. Dr Abraham, who delivered the 34th and 35th Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO),  titled “Twists, Turns and Triumphs of University Education in Nigeria,” posed a question that was not merely provocative but profoundly unsettling. He asked: “The companies in Nigeria that once thrived and employed thousands but have now folded up—who managed them? And which tertiary institutions produced those managers?

    This question demands more than a casual answer. Its logic is structural. UNCorruption, mismanagement, and leadership failure are not standalone phenomena; they are symptoms of deeper systemic deficiencies. Dr Abraham’s philosophical inquiry compels us to excavate the foundational values that structure our national life.

    Pressed to identify what we have missed in diagnosing the Nigerian problem, Dr Abraham answered with one word: Character.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s escalating wildfire crisis: A national call to action

    This answer, though deceptively simple, is deeply profound. Do our universities genuinely assess the character of their students before declaring them “worthy in character and learning”? Dr Abraham maintains that the collapse of institutions, corporate or governmental, stems not merely from technical incompetence but from moral failure. If we are serious about national transformation, we must return to the roots: to the ethical formation of the citizen.

    As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in child and man—body, mind and spirit.” True education must stimulate not only intellectual faculties but also cultivate the moral imagination. John Dewey echoed this, arguing that “the establishment of character is a comprehensive aim of school instruction and discipline.”

    In this light, Topfaith University has taken a bold step. It recently became the first institution in Nigeria to institutionalise Character and Leadership Education as a mandatory course across all semesters. There are no written exams; students are assessed through reflective, behavioural, and performance-based methods.

    Every student receives a university-authored textbook on character and leadership development. This is not symbolic, it is strategic. It is a practical affirmation of the philosophy that education for moral character is what redirects human energy toward the flourishing of humanity.

    All tertiary institutions must embrace this responsibility. They must become the conscience of the nation, the moral compass of the Republic. Universities must act not only as agents of enlightenment but as guardians of character.

    Education finds its truest meaning when its aim is the cultivation of virtue. The time has come for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to declare a state of emergency, not in literacy rates, but in moral literacy. We must rebuild the moral infrastructure of the Nigerian state, and our universities must lead this renaissance.

    •David Bassey Antia Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State

  • Turn problems into opportunities, Ochefu tells Nigerian universities

    Turn problems into opportunities, Ochefu tells Nigerian universities

    A professor of Economic History and Development Studies at the Benue State University, Markudi, and secretary general of the committee of vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities, Yakubu Ochefu, has charged stakeholders in the country’s education sector to consider “flipping” the current national situation by turning problems into opportunities.

    He gave the charge while leading the 81st Interdisciplinary Research Discourse of the Postgraduate College of the University of Ibadan.

    The topic was “Rethinking the Philosophy of University Education in Nigeria in the Era of Education 4.0”

    Professor Ochefu in his lecture sought to take a hard look at the triggers of disrupting the nature and character of higher education in Nigeria and how to translate them into opportunities to reform and transform the education sector.

    Read Also: Why we grant licenses to private universities, by Fed Govt

    He suggested that we must foster collaboration and teamwork, pursue and encourage interdisciplinary partnerships, and break down the silos within the academic environment.

    He also called for the efficient and effective management of resources, adding that resources must be allocated strategically, effectiveness must be prioritized, and transparency ensured in decision-making.

    Professor Ochefu said Vice Chancellors must possess the emotional intelligence required to build conflict resolution skills and address difficult situations head-on, with fairness, objectivity, and firmness.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, in his address as the Chairman at the Discourse, stated that education remains an important instrument for growth and national development.

    He stressed the need for a periodic review of the nation’s philosophy of education, saying that when one considers the dynamic nature of society, the ever-changing challenges must be creatively tackled if society remains functional.

    Professor Adebowale noted that Education 4.0 comes with a hybrid model that empowers students and lecturers to think critically in a manner that challenges traditional boundaries to learning.

    He said this model of education aligns and synchronizes with the emerging fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0.

    The vice-chancellor concluded that rethinking the philosophy of university education in Nigeria requires a shift in mindset and approaches to teaching and learning as well as leveraging digitalisation to enable learning anywhere at any time in the world.

  • Why we grant licenses to private universities, by Fed Govt

    Why we grant licenses to private universities, by Fed Govt

    • Minister urges Abuja varsity to focus on programmes relevant to communities

    Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has asked the management of Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja to offer programmes that are relevant to the local communities.

    Mamman spoke in Abuja on Friday at the unveiling and maiden matriculation ceremony of the university.

    At the event, 105 students across three faculties and 14 programmes were matriculated.

    The minister said owing to the large pool of students searching for university education, there was a need to open up the system for private education to meet the educational yearnings of the youths.

    Mamman said: “Open distance learning education is a relatively new frontier for us and that is the direction our tertiary education is moving.

    “I know as a fact, the government ownership of Open University has risen to over 700,000 students, the largest in Africa; and the pool of young men and women who are interested in education is unsearchable and very large; so certainly, the government cannot meet these demands.

    “So it is appropriate that we open the system to the private sector, who are really committed to the provision of this level of education.”

    The minister charged the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory agencies to come up with quality assurance mechanisms to strengthen open universities.

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    He said: “What we have at the moment is largely focused on conventional institutions. As we strengthen this level of university education, the public must have the assurance that they deliver the quality programmes which they give approval for.

    “Secondly, one of the focus area of this government are qualifications that are relevant to our local community, they must be relevant while having the same quality that will make you competitive in the international arena.

    “How do you become relevant within the local frontier? It is by ensuring that you have programmes that embed in them skills which will make them readily employable or better still employers of Nigerians.

    “This government is set and already working with corporate skill sets of the Nigerian education sector right from primary schools to the university because the level we are now is such that we need more people with skills who will provide solutions to Nigerian problems.”

    While congratulating the newly admitted students, Mamman charged them to adhere to the university’s regulations and contribute responsibly to the institution.

  • FULL LIST: 58 illegal degree-awarding Universities in Nigeria

    FULL LIST: 58 illegal degree-awarding Universities in Nigeria

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has identified at least fifty-eight (58) illegal universities operating in Nigeria. 

    The names include those who claim to be affiliates of foreign universities in the country.

    Also, nine degree mills are currently undergoing further investigations and/or court actions.

    The development comes following the suspension of degree certificates from two francophone West African countries after an undercover journalist detailed how he acquired a degree from a university in Benin Republic under two months and was deployed for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    In the list below, institutions that have ‘other campuses’ are indicated with “others”; those ‘operating anywhere in Nigeria’ have “anywhere” as suffix. They are as follows:

    1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria

    2. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State or any of its other campuses

    3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos or any of its other campuses

    4. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    5. Blacksmith University, Akwa or any of its other campuses

    6. Volta University College, HO, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    7. Royal University, Izhia, PO BOX 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State or any of its other campuses

    8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi state or any of its other campuses

    9. United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses

    10. United Nigeria University College, Okija Anambra State or any of its other campuses.

    11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its other campuses

    12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State or any of its other campuses

    13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Pleateu State or any of its other campuses

    14. The International University, Missouri USA, Kano and Lagos studies centres or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    15. Collumbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria

    16. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria

    17. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria

    18. London External Studies, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria

    19. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria

    20. Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its campuses in Nigeria

    21. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria

    22. Bolta University College, Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria

    23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna illegal campus

    24. Western University, Esie Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria

    25. St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    26. EC-Council USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre

    27. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    28. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    29. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria

    30. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    31. Acada University, Akinlalu Oyo state or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    32. Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

    33. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria

    34. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija Anambra State

    35. Open International University, Akure

    36. Middle Belt University (North Central University) Otukpo

    37. Lead Way University, Ugheli, Delta State

    38. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari Abuja

    39. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State

    40. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State

    41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja

    42. Temple University, Abuja

    43. Irish University Business School, London, operating anywhere in Nigeria

    44. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State

    45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and its annex at 41, Ikorodu road, Lagos.

    46. University of Education, Wenneba Ghana operating anywhere in Nigeria

    47. Cape Coast University, Ghana operating in Nigeria

    48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic operating anywhere in Nigeria

    49. Pacific Western University, Denver Colorado, Oweri study centre

    50. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos

    51. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko campus)

    52. Career Light Resources Centre, Jos

    53. University of West Africa, Kwali Abuja, FCT

    54. Coastal University, Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom State

    55. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna

    56. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State

    57. West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology, Nigeria operating anywhere in Nigeria

    Read Also: Full list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    58. Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, 165 Isolo road, Cele bus stop, Egbe Ikotun, Lagos

    In addition to the closure, the following Degree Mills are currently undergoing further investigations and/or ongoing court actions. The purpose of these actions is to prosecute the proprietors and recover illegal fees and charges on subscribers.

    1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State

    2. North Central University, Otukpo. Benue State

    3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu 

    4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State.

    5. West Coast University, Umuahia.

    6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State

    7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia State.

    8. Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University.

    9. L.I.F.E Leadership University, Benin City, Edo State

    For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk. Certificates obtained from these sources will not be recognised for the purposes of NYSC, employment, and further studies.

    The relevant Law enforcement agencies are also been informed of their further necessary action.

  • Full list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    Full list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    The federal government has announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo.

    In a statement signed on Tuesday, January 2, by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, the federal government lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.”

    The statement noted that the suspension followed an investigative report by an online newspaper, which unravelled a Cotonou-based University, which issued a degree certificate to an undercover Journalist within six weeks.

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    Here is a list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    1. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
    2. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
    3. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
    4. Collumbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    5. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    6. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    7. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    8. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    9. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    10. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
    11. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
    12. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
    13. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    14. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    15. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    16. African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    17. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
    18. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.

    The commission warns Nigerians to avoid enrolling in these institutions.

  • Five Islamic-owned universities in Nigeria you need to know

    Five Islamic-owned universities in Nigeria you need to know

    The establishment of Islamic universities in Nigeria aims to provide higher education based on Islamic principles.

    These universities offer a blend of quality education and Islamic teachings to students.

    The objective is to create an environment where students can learn a variety of subjects while also gaining a deep understanding of Islamic traditions and values.

    These universities play a vital role in Nigeria’s education system and provide a great opportunity for those who wish to learn in a way that incorporates Islamic values.

    Here are five (5) Islamic universities you should know about in Nigeria

    1. Fountain University

    The university is owned and operated by the Nasrul-Lahi-Il-Fatih Society (NASFAT), located in Oke Osun State.

    It was granted a license to operate as a Private University on May 17, 2007, by the Federal Government, based on the recommendations of the National Universities Commission.

    2. Al-Qalam University

    Al-Qalam University, formerly known as Katsina University, is located in Dutsinma Road, Katsina State, Nigeria. Established in 2005, it holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first private Islamic institution.

    3. Crescent University

    Crescent University, Abeokuta was founded in 2005 by a renowned legal expert and former judge of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, His Excellency Justice Bola Ajibola.

    The university aims to be a center of academic excellence and uphold moral values. It is one of the leading Islamic universities in Nigeria and was established under the umbrella of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA).

    Crescent was licensed and established in 2005 after approval by the Federal Government through the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Read Also: JUST IN: FG exempts universities, other tertiary institutions from IPPIS

    4. Al-Hikmah University

    Al-Hikmah University, located in Ilorin, Nigeria, was founded in 2005 by the Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation (AROIF).

    The university was granted a license to operate as a private university by the Federal Government of Nigeria on January 7th, 2005 (License No. 010).

    5. Summit University

    Summit University, founded by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) in Offa, provides quality tertiary education to all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or creed, with an Islamic faith-based approach.

    The University obtained its Provisional Licence (No. 59th private University) issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on March 5, 2015, and its Permanent Operational Licence on April 1, 2019.

  • Numbers are not everything   

    Numbers are not everything   

    Less than six months after the inauguration of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, on June 13, no fewer than 32 bills have been presented in the Senate and the House of Representatives for the creation of new universities, polytechnics, colleges of health and colleges of education, according to a recent report.

     The information is food for thought. The number of higher education institutions proposed within the period suggests a dearth of such institutions in the country, and an urgent need to address the shortage. But numbers are not everything.    

    According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria has 52 federal universities, 63 state universities and 147 private universities. Figures from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) indicate that there are 40 federal polytechnics, 49 state-owned polytechnics and 76 private polytechnics in the country. There are 70 federal and state-owned colleges of health, and 17 private colleges of health.  As for the colleges of education in the country, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) states that there are 219.

    Read Also; Wike defends over N61bn FCT supplementary budget expenditure

    Notably, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, were reported to be among the proposers of new tertiary institutions. Abbas was said to have proposed the founding of the Federal University of Technology, Kaduna, while Kalu was said to have proposed the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, Abia State.

    They want these proposed institutions sited in their constituencies, which gives their proposals a curious colouration. This raises the question: What inspired their proposals?

    The same question can be asked concerning the other bills seeking the creation of new tertiary institutions, including Federal University of Information and Communications Technology, Lagos State; Federal University of Agriculture, Ute Okpa, Delta State; Federal University of Biomedical Sciences, Benue State; Federal College of Health Sciences, Gaya, Kano State; and Federal College of Dental Technology, Faggae, Kano State.

    There are also bills to create Federal College of Agriculture, Agila, Benue State; Federal College of Education, Dangi-Kanam, Plateau State; Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State; Benjamin Kalu Federal Polytechnic, Rano, Kano State; and Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State, among others.

    The proposers should think beyond just increasing the number of such institutions, and focus on improving the existing tertiary institutions.  

    Alarming reports show that many universities in the country, and indeed many other tertiary institutions, are facing severe and debilitating shortage of qualified teaching personnel, particularly as a result of their continuing exodus in search of greener pastures abroad, among other factors.   

     The numerous bills to establish new tertiary institutions reflect poor legislative thinking. The legislators should address the serious problems of the existing institutions, rather than thinking of creating new ones that would likely face the same problems to the detriment of tertiary education in the country.      

  • Don decries marginalisation of private universities

    Don decries marginalisation of private universities

    An educationist and Professor of Chemistry Prof. Olusegun Odunola has decried marginalisation of private universities by government. 

    He said it is insensitive and unfair the way government treats private Universities compared to their counterpart in public sector.

    He stated considering the contributions of private universities to economy and education development, they deserve same treatment accorded their counterpart in State and federal- owned universities.

    Speaking on a radio program “Frontline” at Eagle 102.5 FM, Odunola, who is the Vice Chancellor, Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State said unfair treatment and marginalisation of private universities affects their operations in delivering quality education to it’s students.

    According to him, Committee of Vice Chancellors and Registrar of Private Universities already have a paper to look into some education unfavourable policies of government to private Universities and way out.

    Odunola, while speaking on “Higher education in Nigeria, the challenges and contributions of private Universities” stated that higher education is the same either private or public universities, adding that though they might be different in nature but their challenges are similar in reality.

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    According to him: “Everywhere in the world, there are kinds of support government gives to private Universities to assist them in the way they contribute to national economy and development, but it’s a different senerio in Nigeria.”

    “We pay taxes and do other thing, so there is nothing wrong if the government also support us, most private Universities are been funded by their proprietors. 

    “Private universities started formerly with the licencing of three universities which are Covenant University, Babcock University and Igbinedon University, most of these universities has spent over 20 years contributing to Nigeria economy and expanding access to higher education.

    “As of today, federal universities are 52 and State Universities are about 63 while private universities are about 147. In terms of manpower to the development of Nigeria economy, private universities are more than public universities. They have contributed immensely to Nigeria in higher manpower by running post graduate programmes.

    “Government needs to solve the issue of power which is one of challenges facing us for actual development to occur, because how do you focus on research and innovation if half of your income is been spend on power generation.”

    He however said Hallmark University was created to be the best in creativity and innovation, saying the institution is envisioned to be a world class institution that looks into developing the nation.

  • More is better

    The demand of Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), that the Federal Government place an embargo on the licensing of new universities in Nigeria does not seem to us as right.

    Speaking during the fourth convocation lecture of the Federal University, Dutse, in Jigawa State, Professor Oloyede argued that “universities should not be established just to boost the ego of rich individuals and politicians” because it was not conducive to the development of an effective tertiary education system. He advised that Nigerians actively support the strengthening of the education sector and advocated the allocation of at least 15 per cent of the national budget to education.

    As an ex-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and current JAMB registrar, Professor Oloyede is well placed to perceive many of the faults and shortcomings of Nigeria’s university system, especially the precipitous decline in standards of teaching and research. And with its 43 federal universities, 48 state-owned universities and 79 private universities, it does seem that Nigeria has more than enough universities to satisfy the needs of its citizens.

    It is, however, incorrect to mistake number for adequacy. The 170 universities that we have may sound like an impressive statistic, but it actually conceals several important facts, many of which undercut Oloyede’s contentions.

    The first of these has to do with the so-called crisis of access facing the country. In spite of their growing numbers, Nigeria’s universities simply cannot cope with the flood of candidates seeking admission. In 2017 and 2018, 1,736,571 and 1,662,762 candidates, respectively, registered for JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). When these figures are set against the estimated 600,000 spaces which constitute the combined annual admission capacity of universities, it can be seen that a lot of candidates fail to obtain admission into tertiary educational institutions every year. Of course we know that not all these candidates had the minimum admission requirement of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics as at the time of sitting for the UTME, the number cannot be as huge as to come so low to 600,000 available spaces.

    The second issue has to do with the notion that reduced numbers are synonymous with increased quality. Professor Oloyede clearly believes that placing an embargo on the continued establishment of universities is very likely to result in stronger institutions that are better focused on their core competencies.

    In actual fact, the efficiency of any university depends on the quality of supervision of regulatory bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC), whose oversight process is often riddled with anomalies. Universities repeatedly fail to measure up to their own mission statements and are let off without sanction. Schools routinely import mercenary lecturers to meet staffing quotas during accreditation and go unpunished. New departments are set up without meeting the minimum requirements of NUC resource verification teams and nothing happens to  the institutions concerned.

    The failure of regulation is one of the most important reasons for the steep drop in the quality of Nigeria’s universities. The overall number of schools is of less relevance than their adequate regulation; when universities are properly supervised, standards will be maintained, regardless of how many or how few they are.

    Several countries with effective tertiary education systems are known to have many universities relative to their overall populations. They include the United States (5,758 universities); Japan (1,223); and France (1,062). These are all nations which understand that increased numbers are not necessarily indicative of low quality or poor performance.

    It may indeed be true that many of the new universities arguably serve to boost the outsized egos of the prominent individuals who are their promoters, but this alone cannot be sufficient reason to deny licenses to institutions that have met the very detailed conditions required to set up a university in Nigeria. The Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Amendment Decree No. 9 of 1993 sets out guidelines that are so expensively exhaustive that only the most committed proprietor would even contemplate them.

    Nigeria needs more universities. They are vital to ensuring that more candidates are able to acquire a university education. They are crucial to providing the human resources the country so desperately needs. Their overall number cannot be an inherent liability if laid-down regulatory and procedures are strictly adhered to.