The Federal Government has approved a six-year suspension on the creation of new tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The decision was reached during a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Bola Tinubu.
Addressing journalists after the session, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa explained that the move is designed to improve quality standards and ensure the long-term sustainability of existing institutions, particularly private ones.
He noted that although Nigeria has a substantial number of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, many are facing financial difficulties. Citing data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the minister revealed that more than 2.3 million candidates sought admission last year, yet fewer than 228,000 secured places in public universities.
According to him, the disparity highlights ongoing access challenges despite the steady increase in the number of institutions.
In a related development, the council reinstated the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC) as a fully independent commission. Alausa disclosed that approximately 56 million Nigerians are still considered illiterate. He added that NMEC intends to intensify literacy campaigns, particularly in rural areas, through radio and television programmes, advocacy initiatives and community learning centres.
The council also approved amendments to the National Postgraduate Medical College Act, granting medical fellowships recognition as equivalent to a PhD for academic advancement.
Additionally, insurance coverage was approved for 180 federal unity schools nationwide.
The announcement comes months after the National Universities Commission (NUC) licensed 33 new universities in 2025, raising the total number of universities in the country to 309.
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