The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of 33 new universities across Nigeria in 2025, increasing the country’s total number of licensed universities to 309.

According to data from the NUC’s official records, the approvals include 20 new private universities that received operating licences, seven newly established federal institutions, and six additional state-owned universities. This surge reflects growing investment in higher education, particularly from the private sector, which now dominates with 168 universities nationwide. The federal government follows with 74, while state governments account for 67.

The new federal universities are spread across states including Rivers, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Zamfara, among others, with state additions in Niger, Benue, Cross River, Imo, and more. These developments aim to broaden access to tertiary education, equip more Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills, and address regional disparities in higher learning opportunities.

The milestone comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s university system and respond to rising demand for quality education. Stakeholders view the expansion as a positive step toward enhancing human capital development, though concerns about funding, infrastructure, and quality assurance in the rapidly growing sector remain topics of discussion.

Further details on the specific names and locations of the new institutions are available on the NUC website.