Nigeria’s higher education sector has recorded a major expansion as the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved 33 new universities, bringing the total number of universities in the country to 309.
The approvals cut across federal, state and private ownership, further reshaping Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape amid rising demand for university admissions nationwide.
Breakdown by Ownership
Out of the 33 newly approved institutions:
- 7 are federal universities
- 6 are state universities
- 20 are private universities
Newly Approved Federal Universities
The seven federal institutions are:
- Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai, Rivers State
- Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State
- Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State
- Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State
- Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun-Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
- Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State
Newly Approved State Universities
The six state-owned universities include:
- Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger State
- Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe, Ebonyi State
- Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, Cross River State
- Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, Benue State
- University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza, Ebonyi State
- University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma, Imo State
Full List of the 20 Newly Approved Private Universities
The NUC granted operating licences to the following private institutions:
- Leadership University, Abuja (FCT)
- Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin, Kwara State
- Bridget University, Mbaise, Imo State
- Greenland University, Jalingo, Taraba State
- JEFAP University, Suleja, Niger State
- Azione Verde University, Amaigbo, Imo State
- Unique Open University, Ojo, Lagos State
- American Open University, Abeokuta, Ogun 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 State
- Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
- Tazkiyah University, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University, Abuja (FCT)
- Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
- Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Ogba, Kwara State
Sector Implications
With Nigeria now hosting 309 universities, private institutions continue to account for the largest share of the country’s university system. The expansion reflects sustained efforts to widen access to higher education and address the persistent admission gap faced by thousands of qualified candidates annually.
The NUC has also introduced hundreds of new academic programmes under the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) framework to align Nigerian universities with global academic trends and industry demands.
However, analysts argue that expansion alone is insufficient. Key concerns remain around infrastructure readiness, faculty strength, sustainable funding, accreditation compliance and quality assurance — particularly as the system continues to grow rapidly.
As these newly approved universities prepare to commence operations, attention will now shift from licensing to implementation, regulation and performance. The coming years will determine whether this expansion translates into improved access, enhanced quality and stronger research output for Nigeria’s higher education sector.
