The advocates of more private universities in Nigeria to complement the efforts of the federal and state governments seem to be winning. The need to create more space to accommodate millions of youths yearning for university education can be seen at every turn. As it has now turned out, the government has been listening.
The Nigerian Federal Executive Council, FEC, last Wednesday approved the establishment of six new private universities, in the country. The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, announced this while briefing State House news correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
President Muhammadu had earlier left Abuja to commence a 2-day working visit to Kano state.
According to him, the approvals resulted from the memo submitted to the FEC by the ministry.
The Minister listed the universities as – Admiralty University in Ibusa, Delta state, owned by the Naval Holding Company; Spiritan University in Nneochi, Abia state; and Precious Cornerstone University in Ibadan.
The other three approved universities include PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt; Atibe University in Oyo town, Oyo State; and Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos. Malam Adamu said more applications received by the ministry would later be present to the Council for approval.
The Minister pointed out that the FEC had directed the National Universities Commission, NUC, to look into the quality of courses offered by new and existing universities in the country.
According to Malam Adamu, the government will withdraw the registration of any university that fails to meet the standard set for courses being offered.
This is crucial because there are widespread allegations that many private universities fleece parents of their hard-earned money without impacting commensurate academic dividends to the students.
