The Federal Authorities of Nigeria has formally introduced operational licenses to 11 newly authorised non-public universities throughout numerous states, in a transfer to widen entry to high quality tertiary training and construct a globally aggressive college system.
The licenses have been introduced in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister of Schooling, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following the approval granted by the Nationwide Universities Fee (NUC).
The Minister of Schooling, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated the approval was according to the Nigerian Schooling Sector Renewal Initiative, which seeks to revive the integrity and high quality of the nation’s training system.
“This ceremony is just not solely a celebration of your achievements, but additionally a renewed name to motion in constructing a future-ready and globally aggressive Nigerian college system,” he stated.
Alausa harassed the necessity to prioritise Science, Know-how, Engineering, Arithmetic, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) in Nigeria’s increased training system.
“Nigeria has greater than sufficient social science graduates. What we want now are problem-solver graduates with life abilities who can drive industries, construct infrastructure, and enhance lives,” he famous
The newly licensed universities embody:
- New Metropolis College, Aiyetoro, Ogun State
- Lens College, Ilemona, Kwara State
- Kevin Ezeh College, Mgbowo, Enugu State
- Southern Atlantic College, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- College of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Minaret College, Ikirun, Osun State
- Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin College, Ganmo, Kwara State
- Monarch College, Iyesi Ota, Ogun State
- Tonnie Iredia, College of Communication, Benin, Edo State
- Isaac Balami College of Aeronautic and Administration, Lagos State
- Eranova College, Kuje, Federal Capital Territory
Guaranteeing high quality and relevance
Whereas acknowledging the rising variety of non-public universities in Nigeria, Dr. Alausa raised issues concerning the high quality of training being delivered
“We should acknowledge an uncomfortable fact that, whereas we now have 159 licensed non-public universities, too many are failing to satisfy the standard requirements Nigeria calls for,” he stated
He defined that licensing shouldn’t be symbolic however impactful, including that the NUC is present process a complete overview of high quality assurance mechanisms to make sure that each private and non-private establishments turn into true centres of innovation and analysis.
“Personal universities should rise to the problem of delivering high-quality, related training that meets the calls for of a contemporary financial system.”
“With assist from regulatory our bodies and a renewed dedication to excellence, the newly authorised establishments are anticipated to play a transformative function in shaping the nation’s subsequent era of leaders and innovators,” he stated.
Alausa additionally revealed that a number of universities which had awaited approval for over 4 years acquired licenses after the presidential directive led to an expedited analysis course of.
He inspired collaboration amongst non-public establishments and with overseas universities to show Nigeria right into a hub for international training partnerships.
The license is legitimate for 3 years
The Government Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, emphasised the essential function non-public universities play in complementing the general public training system and addressing the rising demand for tertiary training amongst Nigeria’s youthful inhabitants.
“From simply 49 universities in 1999, 23 of which have been non-public, Nigeria now boasts of 298 universities, with 159 (53.3 per cent) being privately owned.”
“The catalyst for this growth is the elevated participation of the non-public sector,” he said.
Prof. Ribadu defined that the licenses granted have been provisional and legitimate for 3 years, topic to NUC’s shut monitoring and analysis.
“The provisional standing is topic to shut monitoring by the NUC, with full licenses to be granted solely after a radical analysis of every establishment’s compliance with regulatory requirements,”he stated
He added {that a} obligatory useful resource verification train can be performed to find out the readiness of the establishments to start tutorial operations.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Proprietor of the College of Fortune, referred to as on the NUC to remove regulatory boundaries hindering Nigerian universities from establishing worldwide tutorial partnerships.