Abuja, Nigeria, October 18, 2023 – President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the staggered takeoff of six out of the 14 public universities established during the latter part of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This decision was confirmed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who cited strategic reasons for the selection of these universities.
The six universities include two colleges of agriculture, two colleges of education, and two colleges of medicine. According to Minister Mamman, these choices align with the skills-empowerment objectives of President Tinubu’s administration.
The Buhari administration had granted approval for the establishment of approximately 75 universities, comprising federal, state, and private institutions over seven years. However, the Federal Government currently faces challenges in terms of funding and the availability of qualified staff to initiate all these institutions simultaneously, as they require substantial capital investment.
Minister Mamman emphasized that the Tinubu administration will be cautious in approving the establishment of new universities, considering the financial and staffing limitations. President Tinubu’s directive is to stagger the commencement of these universities to ensure the government can adequately support their development. The decision to stagger their takeoff will enable the government to manage the resources and support required for each institution effectively.
This approach is intended to ensure the successful development and operation of the new universities while managing the financial and human resource constraints that may arise. The prioritization of specific fields of study, such as agriculture, education, and medicine, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing skills gaps and enhancing education in these key areas.