Mathew Amaechi
In a landmark decision, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a significant increase in the application fees for establishing private universities in Nigeria, raising the cost to ₦25 million. This move marks a substantial rise from the previous fee of ₦5 million, reflecting the NUC’s new strategic direction in higher education regulation.
The NUC, responsible for overseeing university education in Nigeria, stated that the fee adjustment aims to ensure that only serious and adequately prepared applicants pursue the establishment of private universities. The commission emphasized that the increased fee would help streamline the application process and maintain high educational standards across the country.
Professor Abubakar Rasheed, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, addressed the media in Abuja, explaining the rationale behind the decision. He noted that the higher fee is intended to serve as a quality control measure, ensuring that prospective proprietors are fully committed and possess the necessary resources to establish and maintain a university.
“This adjustment is part of our ongoing efforts to reform the higher education sector,” Professor Rasheed stated.
“We are committed to fostering an environment where private universities can thrive while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.”
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders in the education sector. Some educationists and potential investors have expressed concerns that the increased fee may discourage the establishment of new private universities, potentially limiting access to higher education in a country where public institutions are often oversubscribed.
Dr. Grace Okafor, an education consultant based in Lagos, voiced her apprehensions: “While we understand the need for quality assurance, such a steep increase could deter genuine educators with limited financial resources from contributing to the higher education landscape.”
Conversely, other experts believe that the new fee structure will promote the establishment of well-funded and sustainable institutions. They argue that it will encourage only serious investors to apply, thereby enhancing the overall quality of private university education in Nigeria.
The NUC has assured that the additional revenue generated from the increased fees will be reinvested into the higher education sector, supporting initiatives aimed at improving educational quality and infrastructure.
As the policy takes effect, prospective applicants and stakeholders alike will be closely monitoring its impact on the growth and development of private universities in Nigeria.