About 19 universities, comprising federal, state and private universities, were approved by the federal government of Nigeria in 2022. These universities, following receipt of their operating licences, are now functioning and have begun operations.
Data from the National University Commission’s (NUC) website reveals that while only one federal university and six state universities were issued licences, a total of twelve private universities were certified to begin operations.
Recall that ASUU, the union of university lecturers embarked on an industrial strike action in February 2022, lasting eight months, which crippled the operation of many federal universities in the country.
This has further given way to more bargaining power of private universities.
Analysis of universities approved
Federal
An analysis of the data obtained from the NUC website revealed that only one federal university was approved between January and December 2022, namely; King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi state.
State
The six state universities approved were; Lagos University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Enugu State University of Medicine and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Lagos University of Education, Ijanikin, Shehu Shagari University of Education and Sokoto University of Ilesa, Osun.
Private
Twelve private universities were approved and have now begun operations across the country.
Among the private universities include: PEN Resource University, Gombe, Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno, Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta, Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano and Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State
More private universities approved are Baba Ahmed University, Kano State, Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto State, Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State, Peter University, Achina-Onneh Anambra State, Newgate University, Minna, Niger State, The European University of Nigeria, Duboyi and FCT NorthWest University Sokoto State.
