- The National Universities Commission (NUC) has confirmed the moves by the federal government headed by Bola Tinubu to approve the establishment of two new universities
- NUC noted that the purpose is to address the higher demand for available slots for candidates seeking admission into higher institutions yearly
- The commission’s acting executive secretary, Chris Maiyaki, made this known to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced that the establishment of two new universities in the country which will further bring the total number of institutions in the country to 272, is already a done deal.
The commission’s acting executive secretary, Chris Maiyaki, made this disclosure during an interaction with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, February 15.
As reported by The Punch, Maiyaki said the NUC would continue to approve new universities to cater for the admissions gap in the country.
Maiyaki said:
“The approval for two more varsities to bring the number of universities in the country to 272 has been concluded and will be announced next week.”
Speaking further with journalists, he noted that while about two million candidates seek admission into universities every year, 500,000 and 700,000 candidates get admitted. He described this as frustrating for the students, parents and guardians.
Maiyaki’s stance comes amidst the fight of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against the proliferation of institutions in the country by the government at the federal and state levels.
He maintained further that Nigeria will continue to widen universities’ access by approving more universities to meet its demands and supply of quality education.
FEC exempts universities, polys, others from IPPIS
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal executive council (FEC) excluded universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions from IPPIS.
Professor Tahir Maman, minister of education, disclosed the exemption after the federal cabinet meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja on Wednesday, December 13. He said this takes immediate effect.
In his contribution, Muhammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, described the development as a “big relief”.
Source: Legit.ng