The Federal Government has approved a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions across the country, in a move aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of higher education.
Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, disclosed the decision on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
He said the directive, approved by FEC, extends beyond last year’s suspension on new private universities to now cover all tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s priority has shifted from expanding access to strengthening quality, noting that the country already has a substantial number of public and private institutions.
“The memo approved by council today is the placement of a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions,” he said, adding that the focus must now be on maintaining standards and ensuring financial sustainability, especially for private institutions.
Alausa revealed that although about 2.3 million candidates registered for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination last year, nearly 228 universities recorded fewer than 50 applicants each, highlighting declining demand in some institutions.
He further observed that with lingering issues involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities largely resolved, public universities are expected to attract more students, potentially reducing enrolment in private institutions.
The minister stressed the need to protect private sector investments while enhancing quality assurance across the higher education system.
In a related development, FEC also approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education to its former status, reversing its earlier downgrade to a department within the ministry.
Alausa said the move aligns with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make over 50 million Nigerians digitally literate within the next two to three years.
He noted that with an estimated 56 million Nigerians still classified as illiterate, strengthening the commission would enhance adult and non-formal education initiatives, particularly in rural communities, through radio and television programmes, advocacy campaigns, and dedicated learning centres.
