FG Slaps Six-Year Ban on New Tertiary Institutions

By Tgnews Reporter

The Federal Government has introduced a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa (also referred to as Tunji Alausa), announced the decision after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister explained that the policy shift prioritizes quality and sustainability over expanding access, as Nigeria already has numerous tertiary institutions, both public and private.

Alausa stated: “The memo approved by council today is the placement of a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. Access is no longer the major issue in the country. We have many tertiary institutions… We need to help private institutions remain financially sustainable.”

He highlighted concerns about low enrollment in many existing institutions, noting that last year, about 2.3 million Nigerians applied for JAMB examinations, yet nearly 228 universities recorded fewer than 50 applicants each.

The minister added that resolving ongoing issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is expected to boost enrollment in public universities, potentially reducing pressure on private ones. The goal, he said, is to protect investments by private proprietors while enhancing overall quality in the sector.

This new directive builds on a previous moratorium placed last year specifically on private universities.

In a related development, the FEC approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) to its full independent status, after it had been downgraded to a department within the ministry.

Alausa linked the move to President Tinubu’s agenda to achieve digital literacy for over 50 million Nigerians in the next two to three years.

With approximately 56 million Nigerians still illiterate, the commission will intensify efforts in rural communities through radio, television, advocacy, and dedicated learning centres.

The decisions form part of broader reforms in the education sector aimed at addressing quality challenges and promoting inclusive lifelong learning.