Nigeria Freezes New Federal Universities, Polytechnics for Next 7 Years
The decision was reached at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and presided over by the President. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the moratorium covers all categories of federal tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Alausa explained that Nigeria already has 72 federal universities, 42 federal polytechnics, and 28 federal colleges of education, alongside hundreds of state-owned and private institutions. Despite this, many institutions are underpopulated. In the 2024/2025 academic session, 199 universities had fewer than 100 applicants through JAMB, with 34 recording no applications at all. Similarly, 295 polytechnics had fewer than 100 applicants, and 64 colleges of education received none.
He cited a case where a federal university had fewer than 800 students but employed over 1,200 staff, calling it an example of inefficiency and waste. The minister said the suspension would allow government to focus on rehabilitating existing infrastructure, employing and training qualified lecturers, and expanding the capacity of institutions already in operation. Some federal universities in parts of the North, he added, have fewer than 2,000 students despite significant annual funding.
The measure, according to Alausa, is designed to ensure Nigerian graduates remain competitive globally and to align education delivery with international standards.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has repeatedly criticised the rapid creation of universities, calling it reckless. The union has also warned of a possible nationwide strike, citing poor conditions in public universities and the government’s failure to honour agreements.
In a statement signed by its National President, Prof Chris Piwuna, ASUU described the reality faced by lecturers as dire. Lecturers, the union noted, teach on empty stomachs, work in libraries and laboratories lacking essential journals and equipment, and conduct research with little or no resources. Many, it added, struggle with personal expenses while still being expected to produce quality graduates and innovative research.
ASUU said its members feel abandoned and demoralised by successive governments’ neglect of the education sector.
