EXPERTS CALL FOR BETTER PLANNING IN UNIVERSITY EXPANSION

Nigeria education system is facing criticism over the creation of new universities without long term planning. Stakeholders are calling for reforms in funding and policy direction.

Legitdan news report that Nigeria education sector is being criticised over repeated policies surrounding the establishment of new universities and other higher institutions without adequate long term planning.

The Federal Government recently announced a seven year pause on the creation of new federal tertiary institutions and a six year pause for private institutions. The measure is aimed at controlling the rapid approval of new schools.

Reports indicate that about 33 new universities were approved in 2025, with critics arguing that many approvals were influenced by political pressure rather than national manpower needs or development priorities.

Observers noted that a similar freeze was introduced in 1979 when Nigeria had only 13 universities and several states lacked access to higher education.

Stakeholders have stressed that new universities should be established based on demand for skilled manpower, fairness in access, and future population growth rather than political considerations.

They also pointed to low education funding in Nigeria compared with other countries that allocate larger portions of national budgets to the sector. Calls have been made for broader reforms involving government and private sector support to improve funding, planning, quality, and access.