The Federal Government has imposed a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions across Nigeria, covering universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa announced the decision while briefing State House correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on March 4, 2026.
Alausa explained that the moratorium builds on a previous restriction placed on new private universities last year and now extends to all categories of tertiary institutions.
He said the focus has shifted from expanding access to improving quality, given the existing number of institutions.
“Access is no longer the major issue in the country. We have many tertiary institutions, both public and private. We need to help private institutions remain financially sustainable,” he stated.
The minister highlighted that about 2.3 million Nigerians applied for JAMB examinations last year, yet nearly 228 universities received fewer than 50 applicants each.
He noted that resolving issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is likely to increase enrolment in public universities, potentially reducing demand for private ones further.
Alausa stressed the need to protect investments by private proprietors while enhancing quality in both public and private institutions.
The FEC also approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, previously downgraded to a department within the ministry.
The move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to achieve digital literacy for over 50 million Nigerians in the next two to three years.
With about 56 million Nigerians still illiterate, reverting the commission to full status will strengthen adult and non-formal education efforts, particularly in rural areas through radio, television, advocacy, and dedicated learning centres.
