By Jane Austen
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as part of reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the council meeting, explaining that the policy is designed to improve the quality and sustainability of existing tertiary institutions.
According to the minister, data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board shows that more than 2.3 million candidates applied for university admission last year, while public institutions had fewer than 228,000 available spaces.
The council also approved the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education as an independent commission to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing the country’s high illiteracy rate.
In addition, FEC approved amendments to the Act establishing the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to recognise medical fellowship qualifications as equivalent to doctoral degrees, subject to approval by the National Assembly of Nigeria.
The council further approved comprehensive insurance coverage for students in the country’s 180 Federal Unity Schools as part of measures to enhance welfare and safety within the education system.
