NUC Approves 33 New Universities in 2025, Expanding Nigeria's Higher Education Landscape
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for 33 new universities across Nigeria in 2025, significantly expanding the country's higher education infrastructure. This strategic move aims to provide Nigerian youths with enhanced opportunities to acquire knowledge and develop critical skills through accessible tertiary education institutions nationwide.
Comprehensive Breakdown of New University Approvals
According to official reports, the NUC has granted operating licenses to 20 new private universities, while the federal government established seven new institutions and state governments accounted for the remaining six. This brings Nigeria's total university count to 309 institutions, representing a substantial increase in higher education capacity.
The private sector now leads with 168 universities, followed by the federal government with 74 institutions, while state governments maintain 67 universities. This distribution reflects a growing trend toward private sector participation in Nigeria's educational development.
New Federal Universities Across Multiple States
The newly established federal universities span several states, including:
- Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai Town, Rivers State
- Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State
- Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State
- Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Okeho, Oyo State
State Universities Focused on Specialized Education
State governments have established several specialized institutions, including:
- Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action in Mokwa, Niger State
- Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology in Oferekpe, Ebonyi State
- Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, Cross River State
- Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh
Private University Expansion Across Nigeria
The private sector has significantly contributed to educational expansion with institutions such as:
- Leadership University in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- Jimoh Babalola University in Ilorin, Kwara State
- Bridget University in Mbaise, Okirika-Nweke, Imo State
- Greenland University in Jalingo, Taraba State
- JEFAP University in Suleja, Niger State
- Azione Verde University in Amaigbo, Imo State
- Unique Open University in Ojo, Lagos State
- American Open University in Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Southern Atlantic University in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- Lens University in Ilemona, Kwara State
- Monarch University in Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
- Tonine Iredia University of Communication in Benin City, Edo State
- Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos State
- Kevin Eze University in Mgbowo, Enugu State
- Tazkiyah University in Kaduna, Kaduna State
- New City University in Ayetoro, Ogun State
- University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State
- Eranova University in Abuja
- Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State
- Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University in Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State
Recent Educational Developments and Curriculum Updates
This expansion follows the NUC's recent recognition of the University of Innovation, Science and Technology in Omuma, Imo State, which became Nigeria's 70th state university. Governor Hope Uzodinma led the delegation that received the official certificate at the NUC Headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant advancement in digital entrepreneurship and technology-driven education for Nigerian youth.
Additionally, the NUC has approved 13 new degree programs for Nigerian universities to begin offering in the 2025/2026 academic session. This development aims to strengthen academic relevance and ensure that higher education institutions align with global educational trends and industry demands.
These educational reforms come just two months after the Ministry of Education announced comprehensive reviews of primary and secondary education curricula to reflect modern learning methodologies and essential skill development for contemporary challenges.
