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NUC approves 33 new universities in 2025, raising total to 309 nationwide
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Private universities dominate with 168 institutions, ahead of federal and state
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Over 879 new degree programmes introduced under CCMAS framework
The National Universities Commission (NUC) approved 33 new universities across Nigeria in 2025, bringing the total number of institutions to 309.
Data from the commission shows that 20 private universities received operating licences last year.
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The federal government established seven new universities, while state governments accounted for six.
The new federal universities are located in Rivers, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo and Zamfara states.
At the state level, Niger, Benue, Cross River and Imo established one university each, while Ebonyi established two.
Among the 20 newly approved private universities, Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory and Imo host two each.
Ogun and Kwara also have three new private institutions each. Others are spread across Ondo, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Kaduna and Taraba.
Of the 309 universities nationwide, private institutions lead with 168.
The federal government controls 74 universities, while state governments account for 67.
Some of the newly approved federal universities include the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai Town, Rivers; Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna; and Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbiji, Osun.
Others are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo.
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New state universities include Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger; Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe; and Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.
Also listed is Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh.
Private universities approved include Leadership University, Abuja; Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin; Bridget University, Mbaise, Okirika-Nweke; Greenland University, Jalingo; JEFAP University, Suleja; Azione Verde University, Amaigbo; and Unique Open University, Ojo.
In January 2026, the NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed that more than 879 new programmes were introduced in Nigerian universities in 2025.
He said the programmes followed the implementation of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards framework.
Ribadu explained that the reform is aimed at producing globally competitive graduates and modernising the Nigerian university system.
According to him, 70 per cent of the curriculum is devoted to core content, while 30 per cent is reserved for institution-specific components.
He added that the new programmes emphasise digital literacy, entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills aligned with 21st-century demands.
