By Njoku Chijioke
To broaden access to quality tertiary education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has granted operational licenses to 11 newly established private universities across the country.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who presented the licenses in Abuja, urged the universities to prioritize disciplines such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine.
He emphasized the need for universities to produce graduates equipped with practical skills to solve real-world problems.
The newly licensed institutions are New City University in Ogun State, Lens University in Kwara State, Kevin Ezeh University in Enugu State, Southern Atlantic University in Uyo, University of Fortune in Ondo State, Minaret University in Osun State, Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University in Kwara State, Monarch University in Ogun State, Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Edo State, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management in Lagos State, and Eranova University in the Federal Capital Territory.
Alausa reminded proprietors that licensing a university must go beyond ceremony and must reflect a commitment to academic excellence, innovation and global relevance.
He encouraged the new institutions to explore partnerships and affiliations with international universities to enrich their academic offerings.