The Nigerian government has suspended the approval of new private universities for one year, effective February 10, 2023. This pause allows time to review the establishment regulations. Concurrently, application fees have increased significantly, with applicants required to adjust to the new fee structure within 30 days to keep their applications valid.
The Nigerian government has announced a one-year suspension on the approval of new private universities. This decision, communicated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), is intended to allow time for a comprehensive review of the operational regulations governing the establishment of private institutions. Beginning on February 10, no new applications will be accepted during this period, although existing applications that have advanced past the initial stage will still be considered for approval if they satisfy the necessary criteria.
In conjunction with this suspension, the government has significantly increased the fee structure for applying to private universities. The application fee has escalated from 1 million naira (approximately $665) to 5 million naira (about $3,325), while the processing fee has surged from 5 million naira to 25 million naira (around $16,626). Applicants who have already procured application forms are required to pay the new processing fee within 30 working days to avoid cancellation of their applications.
The proliferation of private universities in Nigeria has been largely attributed to frequent strikes affecting public universities. Despite this growth, public institutions still dominate the education landscape, enrolling approximately 90% of all university students. The first private universities, including Babcock University, Igbinedion University, and Madonna University, were established in 1999 to address the increasing demand for higher education in the country.
In summary, Nigeria’s decision to pause new approvals for private universities and raise application fees reflects a strategic move to reassess the regulatory framework governing higher education. This initiative aims to balance the burgeoning interest in private education with the need for robust oversight, ensuring that institutions meet established standards. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this review may influence future educational policies in Nigeria.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
