The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a substantial increase in the application fee for the establishment of private universities in Nigeria, from N5 million to N25 million. The new fee, which takes effect immediately, has stirred reactions across the education sector.
In a statement issued by the NUC on Monday, the commission explained that the decision was part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the quality of higher education in the country. According to NUC’s Executive Secretary, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, the fee hike is designed to streamline the process of university establishment, ensuring only institutions that meet rigorous standards are granted approval.
“The adjustment of the application fee to N25 million reflects the growing administrative costs associated with evaluating and accrediting new private universities. This move will also ensure that applicants are serious and capable of meeting the financial responsibilities required to run a university,” Rasheed said.
The increase has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some applaud the NUC’s move as a step toward raising the bar for private institutions, others, particularly potential investors, are concerned about the financial burden it may impose. Critics argue that this steep fee could discourage the creation of private universities, limiting the options available to students in a country with an increasingly strained public education system.
Private university operators have expressed their frustration, citing the economic challenges already faced by the sector. “This sudden increase is excessive and will only add to the already high cost of university education in Nigeria. It could potentially deter future investors and slow down the growth of higher education in the country,” said Dr. Ngozi Okafor, a representative from the Association of Private Universities of Nigeria.
On the other hand, some educational policy experts view the increase as necessary to address the rapid expansion of private universities, which some believe has outpaced regulation and quality control. The NUC’s move could signal a more stringent regulatory environment, as the body seeks to improve standards in Nigerian universities, both public and private.
The fee hike comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in its higher education system, including overcrowded public universities, a lack of infrastructure, and the need for modernized curricula. As the debate over the new application fee unfolds, the NUC’s decision raises questions about the future direction of private university education in the country.
For now, the increased fee stands as a critical benchmark for anyone seeking to establish a private university in Nigeria, and its long-term effects on the sector remain to be seen.
source: thisdaylive.com
