13.8.2025
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has imposed a seven-year embargo on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa hinted that the action is to halt the proliferation of under-utilised institutions, overstretched resources, and a drop in academic quality.
The decision, approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, followed a presentation by Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
“Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources,” the minister said.
According to him, 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications through JAMB last year, with 34 recording zero applications.
Of the 295 polytechnics nationwide, many had fewer than 99 applicants, while 219 colleges of education also posted poor enrolment figures, including 64 with no applications at all.
