ASUU Criticize FG Over Approval Of New Private Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticised the Federal Government for approving nine new private universities despite recently announcing a seven-year moratorium on establishing new institutions.

In a statement on Thursday signed by its president, Christopher Piwuna, the union described the move as reckless and profit-driven, accusing the government of encouraging the proliferation of “mushroom institutions” without proper planning.

ASUU argued that access to higher education was no longer a major challenge, questioning why the National Universities Commission (NUC) continues to issue licences to private investors.

“While individuals have the right to establish universities, education must be tightly regulated to ensure quality,” the union said, warning that unchecked expansion would erode the global ranking of Nigerian universities.

Nigeria currently has 339 universities, including 72 federal, 108 state, and 159 private. ASUU insisted that both public and private approvals should be halted, stressing that successive governments had turned university licences into rewards for political patronage.

The union recalled that for over a decade it had cautioned against establishing new universities without adequate plans, noting that many of them were poorly staffed and underfunded.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa had earlier revealed that more than 30 universities recorded zero admissions, while several federal institutions operate far below capacity. He warned that uncontrolled expansion risked producing ill-prepared graduates and diminishing the value of Nigerian degrees.

ASUU said the government and regulators must focus on strengthening existing institutions, improve staffing, and invest in quality education rather than pursuing policies driven by profit and patronage.