The Nigerian government has raised the processing fee for establishing private universities from ₦5 million to ₦25 million.
According to the Punch Newspaper, NUC release a memo to the press. The National Universities Commission (NUC) in the memo stated that the decision aims to reposition private universities to better serve the public.
The increase follows a directive from Tunji Alausa, the minister of education.
The processing fee covers administrative costs, evaluation efforts, and regulatory procedures required for obtaining operational approval.
The NUC said the 400 per cent increase would enhance the coordination of private university education in Nigeria. It also emphasised the need to review guidelines to ensure private universities meet modern educational challenges.
As part of the directive, the commission has suspended inactive applications, including those for private open universities that have not progressed in over two years. Applications that have only reached the letter of intent stage will also be affected.
Additionally, the fee for purchasing application forms has increased from ₦1 million to ₦5 million.
Applicants who have already bought forms must pay the revised processing fee within 30 working days or risk forfeiting their applications.
While the government argues that the hike will ensure the establishment of only quality institutions, stakeholders fear it may reduce competition, drive up tuition fees, and limit student options, particularly in regions where private universities offer an alternative to overcrowded public institutions.
