The federal government has announced a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Education Minister Olatunji Alausa said the directive, approved Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council, covers universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
He explained the move aims to improve education quality nationwide.
“Access is no longer the major issue in the country. We have many tertiary institutions, both public and private. We need to help private institutions remain financially sustainable,” Alausa said.
The minister noted that about 2.3 million Nigerians applied for last year’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, yet 228 universities recorded fewer than 50 applicants each.
He added that resolving disputes with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) could increase public university enrolment, further reducing demand for private institutions.
Alausa also disclosed that the council restored the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education to its former status.
“With about 56 million Nigerians still illiterate, reinstating the commission will strengthen adult and non-formal education efforts, particularly in rural communities, using radio, television, advocacy, and learning centres,” he said.
The minister said the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to make over 50 million Nigerians digitally literate within the next two to three years.
The government urged private education investors to adjust plans accordingly and focus on maintaining quality while supporting students’ learning needs.
