18th August 2025
THE Federal Government’s decision to impose a seven-year moratorium on establishing tertiary institutions marks a significant victory for common sense. It acknowledges the harsh realities facing Nigeria’s higher education sector.
After years of unchecked proliferation of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, it is encouraging to see the government heed calls for a more rational and sustainable approach. This move aims to make Nigeria’s tertiary education system more meaningful and globally competitive.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa highlighted that the moratorium will help curb the unchecked spread of institutions, better manage overstretched resources, tackle poor and uncompetitive academic standards, and “allow the government to refocus resources on improving existing institutions by upgrading facilities, recruiting qualified staff, and expanding their carrying capacity.”
Alausa observed, “Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources.”
Nigeria has 72 federal universities, 42 polytechnics, and 28 CoEs. Many of them struggle with poor enrolment. Last year, 199 universities attracted fewer than 100 applicants through JAMB, while 34 had zero applicants! Many polytechnics and CoEs face similar issues; 64 colleges reported no applicants.
The surge to establish universities accelerated under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and has continued unabated. The Bola Tinubu administration has founded eight universities, two polytechnics, and two CoEs in just two years.
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