While the number of universities in Nigeria soars to 300, driven mainly by private institutions, experts warn that declining quality threatens the future of higher education.
Nigeria’s higher education sector has witnessed unprecedented growth, with the total number of universities now hitting 300 as of 2025, according to data from the National Universities Commission (NUC) via StatiSense.
This rapid expansion is largely driven by private universities, which now make up more than half of all institutions in the country. While this surge has broadened access to tertiary education, it has also raised serious concerns about the quality and sustainability of Nigeria’s university system.
In 1999, Nigeria had only 49 universities, including just a handful of private institutions. By 2025, the number had skyrocketed to 300, with 160 (53.3 percent) privately owned. The current landscape comprises 73 federal universities funded by the federal government, 67 state universities managed by state governments, and approximately 160 private universities. Federal universities have traditionally served as premier institutions focused on research and national development, while state universities provide regional access to higher education. The rapid growth of private universities, especially since the early 2000s, has been driven largely by soaring demand for tertiary education amid limited public capacity.
Several factors have fueled this surge in private universities. Nigeria’s rapidly expanding youth population continues to drive demand for higher education, far outstripping the capacity of public institutions. Government policies, including the regulatory role of the NUC, have provided a framework for private sector participation through accreditation and quality assurance. Additionally, significant entrepreneurial investments from religious bodies and private individuals have financed the establishment of many new private universities. The South West region leads in the concentration of private universities, with Ogun, Lagos, and Osun states alone hosting over 90 such institutions.
Despite this growth, numerous challenges threaten the sector’s quality and sustainability. Many private universities grapple with inadequate infrastructure, limited funding for research, and difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified academic staff. Some institutions rely heavily on adjunct lecturers, raising questions about the consistency and quality of instruction delivered to students.
The expansion of Nigeria’s university system has varied under different administrations. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007), Nigeria licensed its first wave of private universities, increasing the total to approximately 75. The Yar’Adua and Jonathan administrations (2007–2015) continued this trend, growing the number to around 128 universities and establishing nine new federal universities. The most significant surge occurred during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure (2015–2023), when over 130 new universities were approved, including 87 private institutions. The current Tinubu administration has maintained the momentum with the approval of three new federal universities as of 2025.
This explosive growth has prompted criticism from many education experts. In 2024, Professor K.P. Waziri of the University of Abuja described the unchecked proliferation of universities as a “crime against Nigeria,” pointing to a decline in educational standards and a shift toward profit-driven motives. Similarly, Professor Riskuwa Shehu, former Vice-Chancellor of Uthman Dan Fodio University, raised concerns about private universities’ struggles to attract qualified faculty, relying heavily on adjunct and visiting lecturers. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also voiced reservations, emphasizing that many new private universities lack adequate infrastructure and qualified staff.
On the other hand, some educators defend the role of private universities in expanding educational opportunities. Dr. Ajibade, Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre at Babcock University, highlighted that private institutions often provide more structured learning environments and better access to lecturers compared to public universities, where overcrowding and limited facilities can hinder effective learning. Professor Oyewo echoed this sentiment, describing the licensing of more private universities as a “logical” response to Nigeria’s educational needs. He emphasized that the federal government alone cannot shoulder the burden of funding education and that private operators are crucial for ensuring sustainability and quality.
In response to the rapid proliferation and the accompanying concerns, the NUC imposed a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities starting February 10, 2025. This pause allows the commission to review pending applications comprehensively and update its guidelines to better meet the challenges of 21st century higher education. While this moratorium is a significant step toward curbing unchecked growth, many believe that more stringent oversight and investment in quality assurance are necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s educational future.
Nigeria’s university sector has undeniably expanded access to higher education, but the rapid proliferation, particularly of private universities, poses risks to academic standards and institutional sustainability. The ongoing regulatory pause reflects a growing awareness of these dangers and underscores the urgent need for reforms that balance growth with quality and long-term development.
