In Abuja on Monday, the federal government gave its approval for the opening of 37 new private universities around the country.
Following an unusual Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, made this information public to the media.
With Monday’s permission, there are now 72 universities that have been given the go-ahead to open under the Buhari-led administration.
From 2015 to the present, they have included 14 federal universities, 21 state universities, and 37 private universities.
Adamu who declined to mention the names of the newly-approved higher institutions of learning only revealed that one of the 37 was an online university operated by a female Chancellor from Bauchi State.
When questioned about the FG’s move to establish more universities despite the ailing public university structure nationwide, Adamu argued that the country needs more universities to school its swelling youth population.
He said “We need more universities. The existence of the many universities should not deter the creation of new ones. Besides, these are private universities.”
The council also approved the universal implementation of the Employee Compensation Act 2010 which makes comprehensive provisions for payment of compensation to employees who suffer from occupational diseases or sustain injuries from accidents suffered in the line of duty.