FG approves licence for 20 new universities, pushing the number to 190

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja on Wednesday approved 20 new including nine private ones, pushing the number of universities in Nigeria to 190.

Among the newly approved ones is Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano, owned by wife of late dictator, General Sani Abacha, who stole trillions of naira belonging to the country some of which had been recovered from overseas countries.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval will give birth to the following — Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom; Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara; Maranathan University, Mgbidi, Imo; Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State and Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State.

Others are Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo; Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River; Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo; NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State; Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau; James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos State; Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano, Kano State; Capital City University, Kano, Kano State; Ahman Pategi University, Pategi, Kwara and University of Offa, Offa, Kwara.

Also approved are Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State; Edusoko University, Bida, Niger; Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja; Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa and Anan University, Kwall, Plateau.

Nine of the private universities are located in Northcentral, three in Southsouth, two in Southeast, five in the Northwest and one in Southwest.

Persecondnews reports that Federal universities are 43, states 48 and private 79 totalling 170 excluding Wednesday’s approval of 20 new ones.

Briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the FEC meeting, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, said the approved universities will get their provisional licences from the National Universities Commission (NUC).