The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the Presidential approval for the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State, was granted before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) adopted the seven-year moratorium on the creation of new tertiary institutions in the country. The Ministry emphasized that the decision to establish the university followed due process and was finalized prior to the policy suspension.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had approved the establishment of the Federal Universities of Science and Technology in Epe, Lagos State; Kachia, Kaduna State; and Ogoniland, Rivers State, through a Presidential Executive Memo. He explained that these approvals were secured before the FEC’s resolution to halt new tertiary institutions for seven years.
According to Dr. Alausa, the timing of the public announcement regarding the Epe University led to misunderstanding in some quarters. He noted that the delay in the announcement was due to the National Assembly’s 2025 annual recess, which postponed the passage and transmission of the university’s establishment bill to the President for assent. “The announcement of the Epe University came later due to the National Assembly’s recess, which delayed legislative processing and final endorsement,” he clarified.
The Ministry further stated that the approval process for the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, adhered strictly to administrative and legal procedures. The Minister reaffirmed that all necessary documentation and presidential directives had been concluded well before the FEC decision was made. This, he said, validated the university’s legitimacy and aligned with the government’s long-term educational development plan.
Dr. Alausa stressed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to enforcing the seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions. He described the policy as a strategic move to consolidate existing institutions, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the quality of tertiary education across the country.
He noted that while the moratorium remains in force, the approved universities in Epe, Kachia, and Ogoniland are exceptions because their creation was finalized earlier. The Minister urged stakeholders and the public to understand the chronological sequence of approvals to avoid unnecessary speculation or misinformation regarding the Federal Government’s stance.
The Education Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and policy continuity under President Tinubu’s administration. It assured Nigerians that the Federal Government’s education agenda prioritizes sustainable development, innovation, and scientific advancement, particularly through specialized universities such as those newly established.
Dr. Alausa also reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education will continue to collaborate closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure that all new and existing universities operate within global academic standards and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
He emphasized that the new universities are part of a broader plan to promote technological and scientific research that aligns with Nigeria’s industrialization goals. The Ministry, he added, is focused on ensuring that these institutions became centres of excellence that will drive innovation and economic diversification.
In conclusion, the Ministry maintained that while the government is steadfast in enforcing the moratorium policy, the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, remains a legitimate establishment under a prior presidential directive. “The policy remains sacrosanct and binding,” the statement read, “but the Epe, Kachia, and Ogoniland universities are duly approved exceptions in accordance with the President’s earlier authorization.”
