FG Slams 7-Year Ban on New Federal Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges

The Federal Government has announced a seven-year ban on establishing new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The decision was approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said many existing federal institutions are under-utilised, poorly staffed, and have dwindling student enrolment.

He warned that the proliferation of poorly subscribed schools could lead to ill-prepared graduates and reduce the global value of Nigerian degrees.

The minister explained that the moratorium will allow the government to upgrade facilities, hire qualified staff, and expand the capacity of existing institutions.

Alausa added that FEC also approved nine new private universities whose applications had met all requirements after years of evaluation.