National Universities Commission (NUC) Releases 14 step procedure for establishment of private universities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced a comprehensive fourteen-step process for setting up private universities in Nigeria.

This initiative aims to ensure that new institutions meet stringent academic and infrastructural standards before gaining operational approval.

Fourteen-Step Process for Establishing Private Universities

1. Initial Application: Prospective proprietors must submit a written application expressing their intent to establish a university.
2. Interview of Proprietors: The NUC conducts interviews with those intending to start a university.
3. Application Forms: Once the initial interest is approved, forms are collected by the applicants.
4. Submission of Documents: Applicants submit the completed forms along with all relevant documents.
5. Document Review: An intensive analysis of these documents is performed by experts within various NUC departments.
6. Document Revision: Based on the review, proprietors might need to revise their documents as advised by the Directorate of Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU).
7. Interactive Meeting: A meeting between DEPU and the proposed university’s team to discuss plans and requirements.
8. First Site Assessment: An initial visit to the proposed site to evaluate infrastructure.
9. Document Finalization: Final adjustments to the university’s documentation are made.
10. Second Site Assessment: A final visit to confirm that all physical preparations are up to standard.
11. Security Screening: Both the proprietors and the Board of Trustees undergo security checks.
12. NUC Management Approval: The university project is reviewed and approved by the NUC management.
13. NUC Board Approval: The project then requires approval from the NUC Board.
14. Federal Executive Council Approval: The final step involves getting approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Moratorium on New Private Universities

The Federal Government, through the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has announced a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities.

This pause is intended to allow for significant reforms in the higher education sector, focusing on quality assurance and sustainability.

Rationale for the Moratorium: With 129 federal and state universities and 149 private ones, private institutions, despite being over half of the total count, only handle less than 10% of university admissions.

This disparity underlines the need for better regulation and capacity building.

Expected Outcomes: The moratorium will give the government time to introduce new regulations ensuring that only institutions with adequate financial and academic capabilities receive licenses.

Review of Pending Applications

The NUC, under the directive of Dr. Alausa, will review all pending applications for private universities.

This review aims to ensure that any new institution aligns with contemporary educational standards and national development goals.

The guidelines for setting up private universities will also see updates to enhance quality and sustainability.

This structured approach and temporary halt on new establishments also reflects the country’s commitment to elevating the quality of its higher education landscape.

By ensuring that private universities are not only numerous but also capable and compliant with national standards, Nigeria seeks to foster an environment where education contributes to national development.