The National Universities Commission (NUC) will today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, issue provisional licenses to 11 new private universities, increasing the total number of licensed private universities in Nigeria to 159

The National Universities Commission (NUC) is set to issue provisional licenses to eleven (11) new private universities today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. This significant development will bring the total number of licensed private universities in Nigeria to an impressive 159.

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The announcement was made in a notice circulated by the NUC to media outlets in Abuja. According to the short notice, the official issuance of the licenses will take place at the NUC auditorium at 3:00 PM today.

This move comes after the Federal Government had earlier in the year placed a temporary ban on the issuance of licenses for new private universities.

However, the government had clarified that applications that had reached advanced stages of the review process would continue to be assessed and approved if they met all the stipulated requirements.

The eleven newly licensed private universities span across several states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. They are:

* New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
* University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
* Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT
* Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun Annexe
* Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State
* Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
* Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
* Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
* Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
* Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
* Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State

This increase in the number of private universities is expected to further expand access to higher education in Nigeria and potentially contribute to the diversification of academic programs and research opportunities available to Nigerian students.

The NUC’s approval signifies that these institutions have met the stringent criteria set by the regulatory body for the establishment of universities.