THE National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised the application fee for establishing private universities in Nigeria by over 400%.
In a statement yesterday, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, explained that the increase aims to enhance coordination and ensure that newly established private universities can meet 21st-century challenges.
The fee for purchasing application forms for private university establishment has been increased from ₦1M to ₦5M, while the processing fee has risen from ₦5M to ₦25M.
Applicants who have already purchased the application form at the previous rate of ₦1M but have yet to pay the processing fee will be required to pay the revised ₦25M fee within 30 working days, or they risk losing their application.
“They are also expected to effect payments within a period of 30 working days or risk forfeiture of their pending applications,” the statement read.
Additionally, the Commission has suspended the processing of inactive applications, including those for private open universities that have remained stagnant for over two years.
“The Commission hereby imposes a Moratorium for a period of one year with effect from Monday, 10th February, 2025 on:
“Inactive applications for the establishment of new private universities to enable the Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of such pending applications with a view to determining their viability;
“Applications on Step 1 of the 14-Step Procedure (i.e. those that have submitted Letters of Intent only), and
“Acceptance of fresh applications for the establishment of private universities, including private open universities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission will continue to process pending active applications and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Executive Council for approval.”
The NUC noted that since 1999, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of 149 private universities based on its recommendation.