Nigeria: Recognized Universities Increase to 309 as FG Approves 33 New Institutions
Posted on August 5, 2026 by Biodun Emmanuel
Nigeria’s higher education sector has expanded significantly following the approval of 33 new universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC), bringing the total number of licensed universities in the country to 309.
The newly approved institutions comprise seven federal universities, six state-owned universities, and 20 private universities. The expansion is aimed at increasing access to tertiary education, addressing admission shortages, and promoting specialized learning across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The seven new federal universities are:
– Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni (Rivers State)
– Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (Osun State)
– Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti (Ekiti State)
– Federal University of Health Sciences, Kachia (Kaduna State)
– Federal University of Education, Osiele (Ogun State)
– Federal University of Science and Technology, Eruwa (Oyo State)
– Federal University of Health Sciences, Tsafe (Zamfara State)
The six newly established state universities are:
– Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa (Niger State)
– Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh
– Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa
– Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe
– University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza (Ebonyi State)
– University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma (Imo State)
The 20 newly licensed private universities include:
– Leadership University, Abuja
– Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin
– Bridget University, Mbaise
– Greenland University, Jalingo
– JEFAP University, Suleja
– Azione Verde University, Amaigbo
– Unique Open University, Ojo
– American Open University, Abeokuta
– Tazkiyah University, Kaduna
– Lens University, Ilemona
– Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo
– Southern Atlantic University, Uyo
– University of Fortune, Igbotako
– Minaret University, Ikirun
– Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
– Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
– Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota
– Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City
– City University, Ayetoro
– New City University, Ayetoro
The expansion comes amid growing demand for university education in Nigeria, where hundreds of thousands of qualified candidates fail to secure admission each year due to limited spaces in existing institutions.
While stakeholders have welcomed the increase in the number of universities, education experts stress that expanding access must be accompanied by sustained investment in infrastructure, funding, research, academic staffing, and quality assurance. They caution that without addressing these longstanding challenges, the proliferation of institutions may not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes.
With 309 licensed universities, Nigeria now boasts one of Africa’s largest higher education systems. However, analysts argue that the true measure of success will depend on the ability of both new and existing institutions to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative capacity needed to support national development and economic growth.
The Federal Government said the approval of the new federal, state, and private universities is intended to create more admission opportunities and improve access to quality higher education nationwide.
In addition, the NUC approved 879 new academic programmes under the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). The reforms introduce a 70:30 curriculum structure, with 70 percent dedicated to nationally prescribed core content and 30 percent allowing institutions to develop programmes that reflect their unique strengths and priorities.
The updated curriculum also places greater emphasis on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging fields such as aeronautics, environmental studies, and health sciences to better prepare graduates for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Posted on August 5, 2026 by Biodun Emmanuel
Nigeria’s higher education sector has expanded significantly following the approval of 33 new universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC), bringing the total number of licensed universities in the country to 309.
The newly approved institutions comprise seven federal universities, six state-owned universities, and 20 private universities. The expansion is aimed at increasing access to tertiary education, addressing admission shortages, and promoting specialized learning across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The seven new federal universities are:
– Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni (Rivers State)
– Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (Osun State)
– Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti (Ekiti State)
– Federal University of Health Sciences, Kachia (Kaduna State)
– Federal University of Education, Osiele (Ogun State)
– Federal University of Science and Technology, Eruwa (Oyo State)
– Federal University of Health Sciences, Tsafe (Zamfara State)
The six newly established state universities are:
– Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa (Niger State)
– Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh
– Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa
– Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe
– University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza (Ebonyi State)
– University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma (Imo State)
The 20 newly licensed private universities include:
– Leadership University, Abuja
– Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin
– Bridget University, Mbaise
– Greenland University, Jalingo
– JEFAP University, Suleja
– Azione Verde University, Amaigbo
– Unique Open University, Ojo
– American Open University, Abeokuta
– Tazkiyah University, Kaduna
– Lens University, Ilemona
– Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo
– Southern Atlantic University, Uyo
– University of Fortune, Igbotako
– Minaret University, Ikirun
– Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja
– Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos
– Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota
– Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City
– City University, Ayetoro
– New City University, Ayetoro
The expansion comes amid growing demand for university education in Nigeria, where hundreds of thousands of qualified candidates fail to secure admission each year due to limited spaces in existing institutions.
While stakeholders have welcomed the increase in the number of universities, education experts stress that expanding access must be accompanied by sustained investment in infrastructure, funding, research, academic staffing, and quality assurance. They caution that without addressing these longstanding challenges, the proliferation of institutions may not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes.
With 309 licensed universities, Nigeria now boasts one of Africa’s largest higher education systems. However, analysts argue that the true measure of success will depend on the ability of both new and existing institutions to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative capacity needed to support national development and economic growth.
The Federal Government said the approval of the new federal, state, and private universities is intended to create more admission opportunities and improve access to quality higher education nationwide.
In addition, the NUC approved 879 new academic programmes under the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). The reforms introduce a 70:30 curriculum structure, with 70 percent dedicated to nationally prescribed core content and 30 percent allowing institutions to develop programmes that reflect their unique strengths and priorities.
The updated curriculum also places greater emphasis on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging fields such as aeronautics, environmental studies, and health sciences to better prepare graduates for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
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