The Federal Government has provided crucial clarification regarding the establishment of three new federal universities despite an active seven-year moratorium on creating new tertiary institutions.
Presidential Approval Preceded Moratorium
According to an official statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, the newly approved Federal University of Science and Technology in Epe, Lagos State does not violate the ongoing ban because presidential approval was secured before the policy took effect. The ministry confirmed that this institution, along with the Federal University of Technology in Kachia, Kaduna State and the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland, Rivers State, had received President Bola Tinubu's endorsement before the Federal Executive Council adopted the seven-year suspension policy.
Procedural Delays Caused Confusion
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the timing of the announcement created the false impression that the government had breached its own moratorium. The establishment bill had been transmitted to the National Assembly during their 2025 annual recess, causing significant procedural delays. The passage and transmission to the President for assent only occurred after lawmakers returned from recess, making it appear the approval came after the moratorium began.
The Federal Government remains fully committed to enforcing the seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions, according to the ministry's statement, which emphasized that the policy remains sacrosanct and binding despite these three exceptions.
Background on Kaduna Institution
In a related development, President Tinubu has officially directed the conversion of Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna State into a federal institution, now known as the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. This decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that ordered the permanent forfeiture of the privately-owned university to the Federal Government. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the development during a formal handover ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission facilitating the transfer of the institution's property and assets.
