President Tinubu greenlights commencement of six newly established universities

President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the commencement of academic activities at six of the 14 new universities established during the final days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, disclosed this information after a private meeting with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

In this initial phase, two universities will focus on agriculture, two will operate as colleges of education, and two will emphasize the field of medicine.

According to Prof. Mamman, these educational institutions align with the key goals and priorities of President Tinubu’s administration. While they acknowledged the financial burden on the government for simultaneously establishing a dozen or more tertiary institutions, the specialized nature of these colleges, including those for education, agriculture, and medicine, is considered essential for supporting the government’s mandates.

Mamman added that the President has chosen to stagger their implementation to alleviate financial pressure. Out of the 14 universities established, six are being prioritized initially.

Some of the universities created during this period include the David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences in Uburu, Federal University of Transport Daura in Katsina, Shehu Shagari University of Education in Sokoto, and Admiralty University Ibusa in Delta State.

The President has also endorsed the completion of the National Library, which is expected to be finalized within 21 months as the nation’s archival repository.