Following a recent approval by the Federal Government, two new private universities namely, Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State and African School of Economics, FCT have been added to the existing 272 varsities in the country.
The approval of the two tertiary institutions brings the number of private universities in Nigeria to 149, while the total number of universities in the country is now 274.
The two private varsities have since been presented the provisional licences in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.
According to a statement by the Minister of Education, the two institutions had been approved by President Bola Tinubu at the December 13, 2023, Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.
Mamman called on the proprietors of the newly approved universities to build their focus on skills and entrepreneurship, in line with the current priority of the federal government.
He assured that the universties would be issued substantive licences, only after meeting the requirements of quality assurance after a three-year probation they are currently undergoing.
Mamman expressed the confidence that the Tinubu-led administratio remains committed to work with the private sector on access to university education and infrastructural development.
The minister said that, “As you are probably aware, Nigeria currently has the largest economy in Africa with great potential.
“The country’s population is forecast to increase by up to four hundred million by the year 2050.
“This should therefore evoke a sense of urgency in preparation to cater for the needs of this anticipated population.
“The government, being well aware that education holds the key to the preparation we speak of, will continue to welcome partnership with the private sector, especially in the area of university education.”
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