The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, on Tuesday, 29th July, 2025, inaugurated a 13- man committee, with the mandate to review the guidelines governing the establishment and operations of private universities in Nigeria.
The Committee has the Acting Director, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (DSDE), Mal. Ashafa Ladan as the Chairman, with Chief Architect in the Directorate of Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU), Mrs. Sarah Suleiman and Assistant Chief Finance Officer, in the Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA) as Secretary and Assistant Secretary, respectively.
While handing down the main thrust of the Committee’s assignment to the task team, the Executive Secretary stated that they had been entrusted with the critical task of reviewing and updating the existing guidelines to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in positioning private universities to meet societal needs.
He reminded the committee members that no man is an Island, calling on them not to hesitate to consult colleagues and experts within and outside the Commission for input to enrich its deliberations if necessary.
Professor Ribadu outlined the details of the Committee’s Terms of Reference to include, among others:
- Reviewing all existing guidelines, requirements, and procedures for the establishment of Private universities in Nigeria, including physical facilities assessment templates and provision relating to guaranteed source of financial support.
- Establishing guidelines for the commencement of academic activities, as well as transfer and/ or sale of license of Private Universities in light of current realities.
- Reviewing the guidelines on the location and/or relocation of private universities.
- Making recommendations towards automating the application process.
- Reviewing the code of governance of private universities to make it in line with the Law for the establishment of Private Universities and best practices in the Nigerian University System.
- Considering and making recommendation on any other matters related to its assignment, as well as to the establishment and operations of private universities in Nigeria.
Other members of the Committee include the NUC Visiting Professor Kabiru Bala; Acting Directors of: Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU), Mr. Samuel Sardauna Adejoh; Open Distance and e-Learning (DODeL), Dr. Funmilayo Morebise; Academic Planning (DAP), Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Girei; Deputy Director, Master Plan and Infrastructure, (DEPU), Mr. Mustapha Rasheed; Deputy Director, Programme Planning (DAP), Dr. Victoria Pillah; Deputy Director, Deputy, Private Universities in the Directorate of Inspection and Monitoring (DIM), Mrs. Alissabatu Balogun; Director, Open, Educational Resources (DODel), Mr. Tukur Ladan; Deputy Director, Legal, in the Directorate of Executive Secretary’s Office (DESO), Barr. Paschal Eruaga and Chief Legal Officer in DESO, Mr. Oriabure Iyayi.
The Committee is expected to conclude its assignment not later than Tuesday 29th of August, 2025 and the report is to be submitted in both hard and soft copies as directed by the Executive Secretary.
This initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to enhance the quality and operational framework of private universities in Nigeria and keep them on their toes in providing quality university education to their entrants.
It would be recalled that the NUC had placed a moratorium on fresh applications for the establishment of Private Universities in Nigeria for a period of one year which became effective Monday, 10th February, 2025. The moratorium has also indicated that a review of the guidelines on Establishment of Private Universities in Nigeria was ongoing and once concluded, stakeholders shall be informed accordingly.