The National Universities Commission (NUC) has offered provisional licenses to two new private universities bringing the number of approved private universities in the country to 149 and a total of 274 universities in the country.
Presentation of license to the two universities; Light House University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State and
African School Of Economics, Abuja, FCT held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the NUC auditorium, Abuja.
In his address, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman advised that upon commencement of academic activities, the universities should sustain funding towards improving their infrastructure, equipment for teaching and learning, as well as human resources up to a level that will earn their University Full accreditation by NUC, and recognition from other relevant professional bodies.
Speaking further, he emphasised the need to ensure that the admission of students (with regard to undergraduate programmes) was carried out through the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).
Mamman also disclosed that the Provisional Licences given to the two (2) new private universities were approved by the Federal Executive Council at its 23rd meeting on December 13, 2023.
The Scholar further said Mentor institutions to the new varsities would be expected to assist and keep a close watch on some of their activities like, “recruitment of human and material resources for commencement of any academic programme, assistance in staff development, moderation of student examination and the results, general quality assurance activities, moderation of admission, external examination moderation”.
On his part, Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki applauded proprietors of the newly licensed universities, adding that Nigeria was still grossly deficient in access to the university education sub-sector.
“Records show that the number of applications for university admissions for the 2023 JAMB Utme was 1,635,688 out of which only 527,929 representing 37.2% gained admission to universities in Nigeria”, he said.
While stating some guidelines the new varsities should abide by, Maiyaki stated that, “the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) which was unveiled to the public on 5th December 2022 provides 70% of what should be taught along with the expected outcomes, while the universities will provide 30% based on their individual contextual peculiarities and characteristics”.
According to him, the establishment of more private universities under the strict supervision of the NUC was an important antidote to the proliferation of illegal universities or degree mills across the country.
He, therefore encouraged the proprietors to ensure that quality was not compromised for profit motives, “as any operation outside the provisions of NUC guidelines will attract appropriate sanctions and if the infraction occurs during the probationary period, it will lead to a withdrawal of the Provisional Licence”.
In response, speaking on behalf of the new proprietors, Princess Gloria Akobundu said it was a privilege to be entrusted with the task of assisting the government in tertiary education and promised not to disappoint.
