AGS NEWS – Only a fraction of university admissions, totaling 175,645, out of over 2.4 million granted between 2017 and 2022, were offered by 97 private universities in Nigeria, a recent investigation revealed.

This revelation coincided with the disclosure by the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, who highlighted the underutilization of private universities in Nigeria.

Maiyaki cited reasons for the low enrollment, including the high tuition fees, inconvenient locations, and the challenge of establishing academic reputation, especially for newer institutions.

Despite this, the NUC disclosed ongoing considerations for over 270 new private university applications, in addition to the 37 licenses issued at the end of the previous administration.

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Educationist Adamu Gwarzo expressed optimism that the trend of Nigerians seeking education abroad would decrease due to increased investments in private universities domestically.

Among the private universities, Afe Babalola University, Al-qalam University, and Covenant University were the most populous, each admitting over 10,000 students during the period reviewed.

Other private universities, such as Lead City University, Madonna University, and Bingham University, also recorded significant admissions.

However, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, an education analyst, attributed the low enrollment in private universities to financial constraints and concerns over institutional quality and recognition.