The Federal Government has directed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to increase the application fee for establishing private universities from N6 million to N30 million.
The directive, issued by Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, was communicated through a memo from the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, on Monday.
In addition to the fee hike, the NUC has suspended fresh applications for new private universities, including private open universities, for one year.
Breakdown of the New Fees
According to Prof. Ribadu, the purchase of application forms has been increased from N1 million to N5 million, while the processing fee has been raised from N5 million to N25 million.
> “The NUC will convey the reviewed processing fee of N25 million to applicants who have already purchased application forms. They must effect payment within 30 working days or risk forfeiture of their pending applications,” Ribadu stated.
Suspension of Inactive Applications
The one-year moratorium affects applicants who have not made progress or submitted updates for over two years.
The suspension specifically applies to:
Inactive applications for new private universities, pending a comprehensive review to determine their viability.
Applications that are still at Step 1 of the 14-Step Procedure (i.e., those that have submitted only a Letter of Intent).
New applications for private universities, including private open universities.
Reason for the Changes
The NUC said the decision aligns with the Education, National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which empowers the commission to regulate university establishment.
The review aims to ensure that new private universities meet global educational standards and 21st-century challenges.
> “This move is part of efforts to reposition private universities in Nigeria and strengthen the regulation of the private university education sub-sector,” Ribadu said.
Future Developments
The NUC is also reviewing other aspects of the guidelines for establishing private universities.
> “Details of the review will be communicated to stakeholders in due course. However, the Commission will continue processing active pending applications and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval,” Ribadu added.
This new directive marks a significant shift in private university licensing, tightening regulations while increasing fina
ncial requirements for prospective institutions.
