The Federal Government has placed a six-year suspension on the approval of new universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria.

Reports stated that the decision was taken during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa briefed journalists after the meeting and explained that the temporary restriction is meant to improve the quality and stability of existing tertiary institutions in the country.

According to the minister, the government believes the rapid growth in the number of higher institutions has created challenges, especially in maintaining strong academic standards and ensuring financial stability, particularly for privately owned schools.

Alausa explained that the government wants to focus on strengthening the institutions that already exist instead of approving more schools during the suspension period.

He referred to recent data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which showed that more than 2.3 million candidates applied for admission into tertiary institutions in the previous year.

However, fewer than 228,000 students were able to secure admission into public universities.

The minister said the situation shows that although many institutions exist in the country, admission into public universities remains limited.

During the same council meeting, the Federal Government also restored the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education to its full status as an independent commission.

The decision followed the presentation of a new plan by the commission’s leadership aimed at educating millions of adults across the country.

The plan is expected to focus on literacy and digital skills for young adults within the next few years.

Alausa said Nigeria currently has tens of millions of citizens who cannot read or write, and the government wants the commission to expand its activities to reach more people.

He explained that the commission will increase awareness campaigns in rural communities through radio and television programmes, community learning centres and public education efforts.

The Federal Executive Council also approved changes to the law guiding the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

The amendment will allow medical fellowships obtained through the college to be treated as equivalent to a doctoral degree for academic promotion in universities and medical institutions.