Crisis In Education? FG Freezes New Varsities For 7 Years, Cites Quality Concerns

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a seven-year suspension on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the decision was prompted by growing concerns over underutilized institutions, inadequate infrastructure, and the decline in academic standards.

According to Alausa, the moratorium covers both public and private tertiary institutions. However, he noted that nine private universities that had already completed the rigorous approval process of the National Universities Commission (NUC) were granted final approval.

Describing the decision as a “reset button” for Nigeria’s education sector, the minister said:

“Mr. President is deeply committed to education and has mandated us to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality education that meets global standards. Many federal universities currently operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students.

If we must raise academic standards and avoid being a laughing stock globally, the logical step is to pause the creation of new federal institutions.”

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch, has urged Alausa to refrain from making “misleading claims” about the Federal Government’s fulfillment of agreements with university staff.

The branch chairperson, Prof. Jurbe Joseph Molwus, warned in a statement on Tuesday that the union might resume its suspended strike if the government fails to meet its outstanding commitments within the next two weeks.

ASUU had, on October 22, 2025, issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address issues such as withheld salaries, unpaid wage awards, and arrears of earned allowances. Two weeks into the ultimatum, the union says there has been “little or no progress” on the matter.