The National Universities Commission (NUC) has significantly increased the application fees for establishing private universities in Nigeria, raising costs by over 400%.
In a statement on Monday, NUC Executive Secretary Abdullahi Ribadu explained that the hike aims to enhance coordination and ensure that newly established private universities are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.
As part of the revised fee structure, the cost of purchasing an application form for establishing a private university has risen from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, while the processing fee has been increased from ₦5 million to ₦25 million.
For applicants who had already purchased forms at the previous ₦1 million rate but have yet to pay the processing fee, the commission stated that they would be required to pay the new ₦25 million fee within 30 working days or risk forfeiting their pending applications.
“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 NUC announced a one-year moratorium, effective from February 10, 2025, suspending the processing of inactive applications. This includes applications for private open universities that have shown no progress for over two years.
The suspension applies to:
Inactive applications for new private universities to allow for a comprehensive review of their viability.
Applications still at Step 1 of the 14-step procedure (those that have only submitted Letters of Intent).
Fresh applications for new 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 statement added.
Since 1999, based on NUC recommendations, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of 149 private universities across the country.
The increase in fees and temporary suspension of applications mark a major shift in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, with the NUC aiming to ensure that new private universities meet higher operational standards.
