Federal Government Clarifies Approval of New University Amid Ongoing Moratorium
The Federal Government has provided an explanation for the recent approval of a new university, despite the existing seven-year ban on establishing new tertiary institutions. This clarification came after public concerns were raised over the decision to grant approval for the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, in Lagos State.
According to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the approval of the university was not a violation of the current policy. The minister emphasized that the ban on creating new institutions remains in effect. However, he explained that the approval process for the university had already been initiated before the policy was implemented.
The Ministry of Education stated that the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, along with the Federal University of Technology, Kachia, and the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Ogoniland, received presidential approval prior to the adoption of the seven-year suspension policy by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Delays in Announcement Due to Procedural Issues
The timing of the announcement was affected by procedural delays at the National Assembly, according to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. The assembly was on its 2025 annual recess when the establishment bill was first transmitted. As a result, the passage and transmission of the bill to the President for assent occurred only after the recess, which created the impression that the university was approved in breach of the moratorium.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to enforcing the seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions. The policy remains sacrosanct and binding,” the statement added.
Conversion of Private University into Federal Institution
In addition to the approval of the new university, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate takeover of Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna State, by the Federal Government. The institution has now been renamed the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
This decision followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the permanent forfeiture of the privately-owned university to the Federal Government. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the development during the formal handover ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) facilitated the transfer of the institution’s property and assets to the Federal Government, marking a significant step toward fulfilling a long-standing promise to the people of Southern Kaduna.
Key Points in the Approval Process
- The approval of the new university was granted before the implementation of the seven-year moratorium.
- The delay in the announcement was due to procedural issues at the National Assembly.
- The government remains committed to enforcing the moratorium on new tertiary institutions.
- A private university in Kaduna has been converted into a federal institution following a court ruling.
- The EFCC played a role in transferring the assets of the former private university to the Federal Government.
This move highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the establishment of higher education institutions while addressing past legal and administrative challenges.