Mr Chris Maiyaki

Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC)

In a recent move that has reignited the national conversation around higher education, the Nigerian government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), granted operational licenses to 11 new private universities. This brings the total number of universities in the country to 286. While this development may appear to be a solution to Nigeria’s ongoing admission crisis, a closer look reveals a more complex and unresolved reality.

Each year, nearly two million Nigerians apply for admission into universities. Yet, only about 500,000 to 700,000 students are admitted. That leaves over 1.3 million young people locked out of the system annually. This isn't just an educational problem — it's a national emergency.

The creation of new universities, particularly in the private sector, sends a strong message: the government is listening. But listening is not enough. Expansion without systemic reform is like adding water to a leaking bucket — temporary, ineffective, and unsustainable.

National Universities Commission board

More Isn’t Always Better

There’s no doubt that Nigeria needs more universities. Compared to countries with similar populations — such as Indonesia (with around 2,000 universities) or India — our numbers are woefully inadequate. But what Nigeria also desperately needs is better universities, not just more.

Public institutions continue to suffer from poor infrastructure, underpaid and overworked staff, inconsistent funding, and an endless cycle of strikes. Many graduates are ill-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. Private universities often have better infrastructure but remain financially inaccessible to most families.

Adding 11 new private universities may slightly reduce the admission gap — but who exactly can afford to attend them? Are they solving a public problem with a private-sector solution that only a few can reach?

The Quality Question

Beyond numbers, we must face the uncomfortable truth: Nigerian universities are producing graduates, not necessarily professionals. Outdated curricula, rote learning methods, and a lack of investment in research have contributed to a worrying skills gap. Employers routinely cite the disconnect between what students learn and what industries actually need.

New universities present an opportunity to break that cycle — but only if they are built on a foundation of innovation, relevance, and global standards. Without that, we risk replicating the very issues we are trying to escape.

Access and Equity Still Lag

Another vital consideration is the distribution of these institutions. Many rural and underserved states still lack federal universities. If the newly licensed universities are concentrated in urban or already-developed regions, they do little to bridge the national equity gap. Expanding access means not only increasing numbers but also ensuring geographical fairness and inclusivity.

What Needs to Happen

The government’s approval of new universities must be accompanied by:

• Stricter accreditation and quality control by the NUC.
• Revamped public funding and increased investment in infrastructure.
• Modernized, market-aligned curricula and emphasis on entrepreneurship.
• Better lecturer welfare and training.
• Public-private partnerships that make education more affordable.

Let’s also be clear: university education is not the only path. Expanding access to technical and vocational education must happen in parallel, especially given the global shift towards skills-based economies.

In Conclusion

Approving new private universities is not a bad step — it's just not a bold one. Real reform requires more than licenses. It demands vision, political will, and a long-term strategy for education that sees every Nigerian student not as a statistic, but as a future leader, innovator, and builder of this nation.

Anything less, and we’ll find ourselves with more universities… and even more unfulfilled potential.