Six-Year Freeze on New Tertiary Institutions

Federal Government Imposes Moratorium on New Tertiary Institutions

The federal government has imposed a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions across Nigeria. This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, during a press briefing following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday.

Alausa emphasized that the move is aimed at enhancing the overall quality of education in the country. He highlighted that the focus has shifted from expanding access to higher education to ensuring that existing institutions meet high standards. “Nigeria is no longer primarily concerned about access to tertiary education but about improving quality,” he stated.

This new directive extends beyond private universities, which had previously been subject to a similar moratorium. Now, the policy applies to all types of tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The minister explained that with over 2.3 million Nigerians applying for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations last year, many institutions are struggling with low enrollment. In fact, nearly 228 universities recorded fewer than 50 applicants each.

Alausa also pointed out that resolving disputes between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government could lead to an increase in enrollment at public universities. This, in turn, might reduce the number of students opting for private institutions. However, he stressed the importance of protecting the investments made by private proprietors while simultaneously working to improve the quality of education in both public and private sectors.

Restoration of National Commission for Mass Literacy

In addition to the moratorium on new institutions, the FEC approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education. Previously downgraded to a department within the Ministry of Education, this commission will now regain its independent status.

The minister explained that this decision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to make over 50 million Nigerians digitally literate within the next two to three years. With approximately 56 million Nigerians still illiterate, the re-establishment of the commission is expected to strengthen efforts to promote adult and non-formal education.

Alausa noted that the commission will play a crucial role in reaching rural communities through various channels such as radio, television, advocacy campaigns, and dedicated learning centers. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to those who have been traditionally excluded from formal schooling.

Key Points of the Policy

• Moratorium on New Institutions: A six-year ban on establishing new tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
• Focus on Quality: Shift from increasing access to improving the standard of education.
• Private Institutions: Emphasis on supporting private institutions to remain financially viable.
• Low Enrollment: Many universities reported very few applicants despite high JAMB registration numbers.
• ASUU Resolution: Expected increase in public university enrollments due to resolved disputes.
• Restoration of Commission: Reinstating the National Commission for Mass Literacy to boost adult and non-formal education.