19 federal, state, and private universities received approval for operation between January and December 2022, according to data from the National Universities Commission, The PUNCH reports.
Only one federal university, the King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences in Uburu, Ebonyi State, was recognized in 2022, according to a breakdown of the 19 approved universities.
Additional research revealed that six state universities were authorized in 2022.
They include the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education in Oyo State, the Enugu State University of Medicine and Applied Sciences, the Lagos University of Education, Ijanikin, the Lagos University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, the Shehu Shagari University of Education in Sokoto, and the Lagos University of Science and Technology.
The remaining 12 approved universities were all privately owned, according to further investigation.
According to Prof. Abubakar Adamu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, private university promoters should view their interest in investing in the sector as a contribution to the development of the university sector rather than as a means of making money.
He made this statement most recently when representatives of the proposed Amadeaus University, which would be situated in Amizi, Abia State, came to the commission to request a second verification visit.
This information was included in the commission’s bulletin, which our correspondent in Abuja received on Sunday.
The Executive Secretary noted that the Commission would keep encouraging well-meaning Nigerians to join up and contribute to the growth of private universities in the nation, according to a portion of the bulletin.
He claimed that although Nigeria currently has 111 private universities spread across the country’s regions, the country still required more because millions of young people wanted to pursue higher education but were unable to do so due to a lack of access.
The commission always appreciates and supports individuals who want to give back to society.
