Government Approves Establishment of 37 New Private Universities

 

During a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian government has given its approval for the establishment of 37 new private universities in the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, following the FEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

With this approval, the total number of private universities in Nigeria has now reached 72. Minister Adamu stated that the decision was made after considering the significance of education in enhancing Nigeria's economic prospects.

In addition to the approval of the new universities, Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, noted that the federal government has witnessed an increase in school enrollment nationwide. However, she did not provide specific figures regarding the enrollment rise. Minister Farouq also shared the government's goal of ensuring that every out-of-school child is enrolled in school by 2030.

Read also: Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Poised to Break Guinness World Record for Longest Cooking Marathon

Regarding the N-Power project, which aims to empower Nigerian youth through training and employment opportunities, Minister Farouq revealed that the government has allocated a budget of over ₦14 billion for training the project's beneficiaries. Furthermore, the council approved a policy on the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which addresses issues related to education, health, social protection, and agriculture.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, also announced that the FEC approved the implementation of the Employee Compensation Act (ECA) 2010. This act provides comprehensive provisions for compensating employees who suffer from occupational diseases or sustain injuries in the workplace or during the course of employment. Minister Ngige added that the council directed the Attorney-General to provide the states with circulars pertaining to the approved memo.

The approval of new private universities by the Nigerian government reflects its commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the country. The rise in school enrollment and the implementation of various programs and policies aimed at improving education and social welfare demonstrate the government's efforts to address crucial aspects of national development.