The address by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman , at the ceremony for the presentation of provisional licences to two (2) newly approved private universities on 22nd February, 2024.
On behalf of the Government, I am pleased to welcome you all to the presentation of Provisional Licences to two (2) new private universities which were approved by the Federal Executive Council at its 23 meeting on 13 December, 2023.
I am delighted that you are here to witness the continued partnership between Government and the Private Sector for the widening of access to quality education in the Nigerian University System (NUS). As you are probably aware, Nigeria currently has the largest economy in Africa with great potentials. The country’s population is forecasted to increase up to four hundred million by the year 2050. This should therefore evoke a sense of urgency in preparation to cater for the needs of this anticipated population. Government being well aware that education holds the key to the preparation we speak of, will continue to welcome partnership with the private sector, especially in the area of university education.
As long as the gap of access to University Education continues to widen and the enrolment of students in excess of the standard carrying capacity of the Nigerian University System persists, Government will continue to welcome proposals for the funding and infrastructural development. The Mentor institutions will be expected to assist and keep a close watch institutions with the following activities of the new universities, among others:
i. Recruitment of human and material resources for commencement of any academic programme; ii. Implementation of Carrying Capacity; iii. Assistance in Staff Development; iv. Moderation of Student Examination and the Results; v. General Quality Assurance activities; vi. Moderation of Admission; vii. External Examination Moderation.
We cannot over-emphasize the need to ensure that admission of students (with regards to undergraduate programmes) is carried out through the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).
It is advised that upon commencement of academic activities, you should sustain funding towards improving your infrastructure, equipment for teaching and learning, as well as human resources up to a level that will earn your University Full accreditation by NUC, and recognition from other relevant professional bodies.
Your students are the primary stakeholders and proper care should also be taken to create and maintain a conducive Campus environment that will enable your students cultivate critical life skills and the core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and sound judgement.
Pet strengthening of NUC’s quality assurance operations to ensure that while we are improving access to University education by way of increased enrolment, quality and relevance to national needs are not compromised. I will continue to follow with keen interest the activities of the NUC at sanitizing the system, and the boldness with which the Commission has approached its mandate of quality assurance (imposed by law), as the sole regulatory agency of University Education in the country.
At this point I reiterate Government’s Commitment to excellence in education.
Once more, I congratulate the proprietors of the universities who have persevered through NUC’s grueling processes to earn this cherished approval. It is impressive that you met the set criteria,
from among several other active applications. It is expected that you will spare no effort to ensure the highest standards in your operations through the adoption of best practices and, aim to achieve excellence in your programmes.
As we look forward to working with the newly established and existing Universities, we remain unwavering in our resolve to achieve a University System that competes favourably with its contemporaries and embodies the 21% century best practices around the globe.
Accept my sincere appreciation to you all for attending today’s event.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
