FG Raises Private University Application Fees To N30 Million
- Imposes One-Year Moratorium
The Federal Government has increased the cost of applying for a private university licence to N30 million, while also imposing a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private institutions across the country.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) made this known in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that the new fees include N5 million for the application form and N25 million for processing.
According to the statement signed by the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, the suspension applies to all inactive applications, including those for private open universities, and affects promoters who have not made significant progress or submitted required documents for two years.
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The NUC said the decision aligns with the provisions of the Education, National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which empowers the Cmmission to regulate the establishment of universities in the country.
Ribadu stated that applicants who had already purchased the N5 million form must pay the revised N25 million processing fee within 30 working days or risk forfeiting their applications.
“This is part of our efforts to reposition private universities in Nigeria to meet modern educational standards and ensure proper coordination within the Nigerian University System (NUS),” he said.
The moratorium, effective from Monday, 10th February 2025, covers: “inactive applications for new private universities, allowing the Commission to assess their viability, Applications still at the first stage of the approval process (submission of letters of intent) and fresh applications for private universities, including private open universities.”
Ribadu further revealed that the NUC is reviewing other aspects of the Guidelines for the Establishment of Private Universities in Nigeria to ensure that new institutions are equipped to meet 21st-century challenges.
“For clarity, the Commission will continue processing pending active applications and make necessary recommendations to the Federal Executive Council for approval,” he added.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
