FG Moves to Stop New Universities as Funding Crisis Threatens Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System

Federal Government has moved to halt the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for seven years, warning that expanding the number of institutions without adequate funding could further weaken Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

The Ministry of Education said the decision was driven by concerns over growing financial obligations, poor infrastructure, shortage of academic facilities and the inability to fully meet existing commitments to public institutions.

In a memo sent to the Senate leadership, the ministry argued that Nigeria’s education challenge had shifted from increasing the number of institutions to improving the quality and sustainability of those already established.

The proposed moratorium represents a major departure from years of expansion where successive administrations approved new universities and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to increase access to higher education.

The government said many existing institutions are struggling with inadequate lecture halls, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient laboratories, accommodation challenges and shortage of qualified personnel.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, noted that creating more institutions without guaranteed funding could deepen the problems facing the sector.

The move has, however, raised questions among communities and stakeholders who believe new institutions remain necessary to expand access, especially in underserved areas.

Education experts argue that Nigeria must strike a balance between providing more opportunities for young Nigerians and ensuring existing universities receive adequate funding to deliver quality education.

The debate now centres on whether Nigeria needs more universities or stronger investment in the institutions already available.