Education

NUC Approves 33 New Universities, Total Hits 309

Most of the newly licensed institutions are private; stakeholders welcome wider access but warn that academic standards must hold.

17 February 2026 1 min read
Metal National Universities Commission crest bearing an eagle, open book, lamp and "Thought and Service" motto on a wall

Nigeria’s higher education sector has expanded with the approval of 33 new universities for the 2025 academic year. The National Universities Commission announced that the addition raises the total number of accredited universities in the country to 309.

The newly licensed institutions include federal, state, and private universities, with private institutions accounting for the majority of approvals. The expansion is aimed at increasing access to tertiary education and easing admission pressure nationwide.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting its potential to create more opportunities for prospective students. However, they emphasize that maintaining academic standards and regulatory compliance will be critical as the number of institutions grows.

CategoryNews
Written byAkpevwe Igho

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