The Federal Government has expressed strong opposition to the National Assembly’s proposal for the establishment of nearly 200 new universities, citing concerns over sustainability and the need to strengthen existing institutions.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, emphasizing that the focus should be on improving the capacity of the current 278 universities rather than creating new ones.
Alausa noted that the government had already placed a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities to enhance quality and ensure financial sustainability. He highlighted that the country has 64 federal universities, 67 state universities, and 147 private universities, yet many struggle with low enrollment and inadequate facilities.
He urged lawmakers to reconsider the push for new universities, stressing the importance of investing in infrastructure, laboratories, and faculty recruitment to enhance the quality of higher education. He also warned that continued expansion without proper planning would place undue pressure on the education system and the presidency.
Despite the moratorium on private universities, the government has recently approved the establishment of new federal universities, including the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti.
Attempts to obtain reactions from the Senate and House of Representatives spokespersons on the government’s opposition were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls and messages.
Meanwhile, the minister announced government initiatives to support almajirai education, including school feeding, vocational training, and financial grants for Tsangaya and Quranic teachers. He emphasized that integrating numeracy, literacy, and vocational skills into almajirai schools would help curb rural-urban migration and improve education access for vulnerable children.
Alausa also revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved N40 billion for the completion of the National Library to support academic and research needs. Additionally, the government plans to provide six-month free digital skills training for Nigerians to bridge skill gaps in key sectors such as software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
He reiterated the need for specialized universities to stick to their mandates and focus on science, technology, and vocational training rather than offering general courses available in conventional universities.
