The Nigerian government has increased the application and processing fees for private universities from ₦6 million to ₦30 million.
This development is part of the government’s efforts to commercialize education in the country.
According to a statement by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the processing fees for establishing new private universities have been increased from ₦5 million to ₦25 million.
Additionally, the cost of application forms has been raised from ₦1 million to ₦5 million.
The NUC has also announced a one-year suspension of all inactive applications, including those for private open universities.
This move is aimed at reviewing the viability of pending applications and ensuring that proposed universities meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Critics argue that this move is part of the government’s efforts to turn the Ministry of Education into a revenue-generating ministry. A source in the education ministry revealed that the education minister, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has been attempting to commercialize education in the country.
This development comes at a time when many Nigerian families are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living and education.
The hike in fees is expected to further exacerbate the challenges faced by students and parents in accessing quality education.
