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JAMB Announces 2025 UTME Commencement Dates

15th March, 2025 at 05:32
By Our Reporter

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially unveiled the dates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), bringing relief and clarity to millions of prosp

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially unveiled the dates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), bringing relief and clarity to millions of prospective tertiary institution candidates across Nigeria. The announcement, made earlier this week, marks the end of weeks of anticipation following the conclusion of the registration process, which saw over two million candidates sign up for the crucial entrance examination.
According to JAMB, the 2025 UTME is scheduled to commence on April 25, 2025, and will run until May 5, 2025. This 11-day window will allow the board to accommodate the large number of registered candidates—reportedly 2,030,627—across its expanded network of 870 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide. The examination, a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, remains a pivotal milestone for students aspiring to pursue higher education.
In a statement released by JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board emphasized its commitment to ensuring a seamless examination process. “The dates have been carefully selected to provide ample preparation time for candidates and to ensure the smooth conduct of the UTME across all centers,” Dr. Benjamin noted. He added that candidates should reprint their examination slips in the coming days to confirm their specific exam dates, times, and venues, which will be determined by the examination town selected during registration.
The announcement follows the successful completion of the UTME registration period, which ran from February 3 to March 5, 2025, for UTME candidates, and from March 10 to April 7, 2025, for Direct Entry (DE) applicants. JAMB also confirmed that an optional mock examination will take place on February 23, 2025, offering candidates a chance to familiarize themselves with the CBT format ahead of the main event.
This year’s UTME preparations have not been without challenges. JAMB recently adjusted its registration timeline to address technical issues and to vet CBT centers for compliance, suspending some facilities found to have used substandard equipment. The board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, assured stakeholders that these measures were taken to safeguard the integrity of the examination process. “We are determined to deliver an examination experience like never before, with improved technology and stricter oversight,” he said during a recent briefing.
The 2025 UTME continues to underscore JAMB’s role in standardizing Nigeria’s tertiary admission process. With the examination dates now set, candidates are urged to intensify their preparations and stay updated via JAMB’s official platforms. As the countdown begins, the nation watches eagerly, hopeful that this year’s exercise will pave the way for a new generation of scholars and professionals.

The Federal Government of Nigeria Granted Licences to 11 New Private Universities

6th March, 2025 at 07:54
By Our Reporter
On March 3, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, granted provisional licences to 11 new private universities, marking a significant expansion o
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On March 3, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, granted provisional licences to 11 new private universities, marking a significant expansion of the country’s higher education sector. This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing access to tertiary education and addressing the growing demand for university placements amid Nigeria’s rising population and educational aspirations.
Background and Approval Process
The 11 newly approved universities underwent a rigorous evaluation process overseen by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which is responsible for accrediting tertiary institutions in Nigeria. According to Dr. Alausa, each institution successfully completed the NUC’s 13-step assessment, a comprehensive procedure designed to ensure that only financially and academically viable universities are granted operational licenses. This process evaluates factors such as infrastructure, staffing, funding, and alignment with national educational priorities.
The approval process involves three key stages: review by NUC Management, endorsement by the NUC Board, and final approval by the FEC. The universities announced on March 3 had reached the final stages of this process, distinguishing them from other pending applications. This approval brings the total number of private universities in Nigeria to 160, contributing to a national total of 289 universities, which includes 129 federal and state institutions.
List of Approved Universities
The newly licensed universities are geographically distributed across various states, reflecting an effort to broaden educational access nationwide. The institutions and their locations are as follows:
  1. New City University - Ayetoro, Ogun State
  2. University of Fortune - Igbotako, Ondo State
  3. Eranova University - Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
  4. Minaret University - Ikirun, Osun State
  5. Abubakar Toyin University - Oke-Agba, Kwara State
  6. Southern Atlantic University - Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
  7. Lens University - Ilemona, Kwara State
  8. Monarch University - Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
  9. Tonnie Iredia University of Communication - Benin City, Edo State
  10. Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management - Lagos State
  11. Kevin Eze University - Mgbowo, Enugu State
These institutions represent a mix of general and specialized universities, with some, like the Tonnie Iredia University of Communication and Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, focusing on niche areas of study to meet specific industry demands.
Context and Rationale
The approval of these universities comes at a time when Nigeria’s education system faces significant challenges, including limited admission capacity relative to demand. Despite having over 50% of the country’s universities as private institutions (149 prior to this approval), they account for less than 10% of total university admissions. This disparity has prompted the government to prioritize expanding access while ensuring quality control.
President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized improving educational infrastructure and opportunities as part of its broader development agenda. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, highlighted this commitment, stating that the approvals align with efforts to “expand the frontiers of educational opportunities and infrastructure.”
Moratorium on New Licenses
Alongside the approvals, Dr. Alausa announced a moratorium on the establishment of additional private universities. This policy aims to regulate the rapid proliferation of private institutions and ensure sustainability and quality. However, the moratorium includes an exception: applications that have already advanced significantly in the NUC’s approval process—beyond step four and a second visit—will still be considered. This caveat acknowledges the investments made by prospective university proprietors while signaling a shift toward stricter oversight.
The Minister noted that some additional applications might still come before the FEC for approval if they meet the NUC’s stringent requirements. He emphasized the government’s mindfulness of the financial commitments already made by applicants, stating, “The ones that have gone through advanced stages of their processes, they have invested money, and we are mindful of those investments.”
Implications and Regional Distribution
The addition of these 11 universities further concentrates private higher education in certain regions, particularly the South-West, South-East, and South-South. States like Ogun (with New City University and Monarch University) and Kwara (with Abubakar Toyin University and Lens University) are prominent in this expansion. Historically, the South-West—home to states like Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo—has hosted the highest number of private universities, including well-known institutions like Covenant University and Babcock University.
This regional distribution raises questions about equitable access across Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where fewer private universities exist. However, the inclusion of universities in states like Enugu (Kevin Eze University) and Akwa Ibom (Southern Atlantic University) suggests some effort to diversify geographic coverage.
Broader Educational Landscape
As of March 2025, Nigeria’s university system comprises 43 federal universities, 47 state universities, and now 160 private universities, per NUC data. This total of 289 institutions still falls short of meeting the country’s educational needs, given its population of over 200 million and the high number of secondary school graduates seeking tertiary education annually. Experts have suggested that Nigeria may need as many as 774 universities to achieve a 50% admission rate, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
The focus on private universities also highlights their role in supplementing public institutions, which often face funding shortages and infrastructural deficits. However, private universities tend to charge higher tuition fees, making them less accessible to low-income students and reinforcing the need for balanced growth across both public and private sectors.
Critical Considerations
While the expansion is a step toward increasing educational capacity, it is not without scrutiny. The moratorium and the emphasis on rigorous standards suggest a recognition of past criticisms—namely, that some private universities have been established more for profit than academic excellence. Dr. Alausa’s remarks about ensuring “financially and academically capable institutions” indicate an intent to address this concern.
Additionally, the specialized nature of some new universities (e.g., aeronautics and communication) could help align higher education with 21st-century workforce demands, a priority the Minister referenced. Yet, the success of these institutions will depend on their ability to attract qualified faculty, secure sustainable funding, and deliver on their educational promises.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s approval of provisional licenses for 11 new private universities on March 3, 2025, represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Nigeria’s higher education sector. It expands access and introduces specialized institutions, aligning with national development goals. However, the accompanying moratorium and regional imbalances highlight the need for a strategic approach to ensure quality, equity, and long-term impact. As these universities begin operations, their performance will be a critical test of the government’s vision for educational growth in Nigeria.

Education System in Nigeria

27th February, 2025 at 13:34
By Our Reporter

Introduction

Education is a cornerstone of development and human capital growth in any nation, and Nigeria, as Africa's most populous country with over 200 million people, is no exception. The Nigerian






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Introduction

Education is a cornerstone of development and human capital growth in any nation, and Nigeria, as Africa's most populous country with over 200 million people, is no exception. The Nigerian education system has evolved significantly since its formal introduction by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. Despite notable progress, it faces persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, and a high number of out-of-school children. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the system's structure, historical background, recent developments, challenges, and potential pathways forward.


Historical Context

Formal education in Nigeria began in 1843 with the establishment of the first primary school by Methodist missionaries in Badagry. This was followed by the founding of CMS Grammar School in Lagos in 1854, the first secondary school. The colonial era saw limited educational expansion under British rule, primarily aimed at producing clerical workers for colonial administration. A significant milestone came in 1948 with the establishment of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s first university, marking the beginning of tertiary education.

Post-independence in 1960, Nigeria sought to align education with national development goals. The 1976 Universal Primary Education (UPE) initiative aimed to provide free primary education, followed by the adoption of the 6-3-3-4 system in the 1980s (6 years of primary, 3 years of junior secondary, 3 years of senior secondary, and 4 years of tertiary education). This structure was later adjusted to the 9-3-4 system in 2004 under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, encompassing 9 years of basic education (including 1 year of pre-primary), 3 years of senior secondary, and 4 years of tertiary education.


Structure of the Nigerian Education System

Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE):

Targets children aged 0-4 years, offered in crèches, nurseries, and kindergartens.

Not mandatory, with participation rates below 40%. Approximately 8.6 million children were enrolled in 2018, though access remains uneven, particularly in rural areas.

Primary Education:

Spans ages 5-11 (Grades 1-6), free and compulsory under the UBE Act of 2004.

Enrollment stood at 27.1 million in 2019 (22.7 million in public schools, 5.4 million in private schools). Subjects include English, Mathematics, indigenous languages (Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo), and basic sciences.

Secondary Education:

Divided into Junior Secondary (3 years, part of UBE) and Senior Secondary (3 years).

Junior secondary enrollment was 7.4 million in 2018/2019, with a 54.4% transition rate to senior secondary (68.6% enrollment rate). Students take the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examination Council (NECO) exams to qualify for tertiary education.

Tertiary Education:

Includes universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, typically lasting 4 years.

As of 2024, Nigeria has 170 universities (43 federal, 48 state, 79 private). In 2018/2019, 1.8 million undergraduates and 242,000 postgraduates were enrolled, with the National Open University of Nigeria being the largest by student numbers.


Vocational and Informal Education:

Offers National Technical Certificates (NTC) and Advanced National Technical Certificates (ANTC) through science technical schools and apprenticeships. Informal education, including literacy programs by NGOs like the Centre of Excellence for Literacy and Literacy Education (CELLE), complements formal systems.


Recent Developments (2020-2025)

Policy and Funding Initiatives:

The 2025 national budget allocates 6.39% to education, a slight increase but still below UNESCO’s recommended 15-20% for developing countries. Between 2015 and 2022, over N6.3 trillion was spent on educational capital projects, including ICT and infrastructure.

In November 2022, the government proposed transitioning primary education from English to local languages, though implementation remains slow.

Curriculum Reforms:

The National Universities Commission introduced the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in 2022, aiming to align university education with 21st-century needs. However, resistance from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) highlights implementation challenges.

History was reintroduced into basic education in 2022, and Civic Education was reviewed in 2017.

Digital Learning:

Partnerships with platforms like uLesson (over 100,000 downloads) and Pass.ng have expanded digital education, leveraging Nigeria’s high smartphone penetration (over 140 million active lines). These initiatives target exam preparation (e.g., UTME, WASSCE).

Teacher Development:

Between 2009 and 2022, over N57 billion was disbursed for Teachers’ Professional Development (TPD). However, efforts to remove unqualified teachers, mandated in 2019, have faced resistance from some states.

Literacy and Enrollment:

The literacy rate rose from 62% in 2018 to 69% in 2022, per government estimates. However, the number of out-of-school children increased from 10.5 million in 2021 to 18.5 million in 2022, driven by insecurity and poverty.

Key Challenges

Inadequate Funding:

Education budgets have consistently fallen short of needs, dropping from 10.8% in 2015 to 5.3% in 2023, with a modest rise to 6.39% in 2025. This limits infrastructure, teacher salaries, and learning resources.

Out-of-School Children:

Nigeria has the world’s highest number of out-of-school children (18.5 million in 2022), concentrated in the North-East and North-West due to poverty, insecurity (e.g., Boko Haram), and cultural factors like child marriage.

Infrastructure Deficits:

Rural schools suffer from dilapidated facilities, with pupil-classroom ratios as high as 109:1 in primary schools. Overcrowding and lack of libraries, labs, and ICT tools hinder quality education.

Teacher Shortages and Quality:

A 2016 report cited 1.5 million teachers, but many lack qualifications. The pupil-teacher ratio is 46:1 in primary schools, exceeding recommended standards.

Gender and Regional Disparities:

Girls’ enrollment lags behind boys’ (44% of undergraduates are female), exacerbated by child marriage (2 in 5 women marry before 18). Northern regions have lower literacy and enrollment rates than the South.

Security Threats:

School abductions, notably since the 2014 Chibok kidnapping, have closed over 11,536 schools since 2020, deterring attendance, especially for girls.

Opportunities for Improvement

Increased Funding:

Raising education spending to UNESCO’s 15-20% benchmark could modernize infrastructure, hire qualified teachers, and expand access.

Technology Integration:

Expanding digital learning platforms and leveraging mobile penetration can bridge access gaps, especially in remote areas.

Teacher Training:

Robust investment in training and incentives could improve teacher quality and retention, addressing the shortage of skilled educators.

Security Measures:

Strengthening school safety through community policing and infrastructure upgrades could reduce closures and boost enrollment.

Gender Equity Programs:

Initiatives like UNICEF’s girl-child education campaigns and community sensitization can reduce gender gaps and child marriage rates.

Vocational Education:

Enhancing vocational programs, aligned with the National Vocational Qualifications Framework, could address youth unemployment and skill deficits.


Conclusion

The Nigerian education system stands at a crossroads. While it has made strides in expanding access and modernizing curricula, systemic challenges like underfunding, insecurity, and disparities threaten its potential to drive national development. As of February 27, 2025, the government’s modest budget increase and digital initiatives signal intent, but bolder action is needed. Prioritizing education through increased investment, innovative reforms, and targeted interventions could unlock Nigeria’s vast human capital, paving the way for sustainable growth and equity.

 

This report reflects the latest available data and trends, providing a holistic view of Nigeria’s education landscape. For further insights, additional research into specific regional dynamics or policy outcomes may be warranted.

Update and Background News on TETFUND in Nigeria

27th February, 2025 at 13:31
By Our Reporter

Introduction

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is a pivotal intervention agency in Nigeria, established under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act of 2011 to enhance the quality of tertiary









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Introduction

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is a pivotal intervention agency in Nigeria, established under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act of 2011 to enhance the quality of tertiary education through funding and strategic support. Financed primarily by a 3% education tax levied on registered companies in Nigeria, TETFund channels resources into public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Its core mandates include infrastructure development, academic staff training, research funding, and fostering innovation to align Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with global standards. As of February 27, 2025, TETFund continues to play a critical role in addressing systemic challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector, though it faces evolving opportunities and obstacles. This report provides a detailed overview of TETFund’s objectives, recent developments, achievements, challenges, and future directions based on available information and current trends.

Objectives and Mandate

TETFund’s mission is to improve the infrastructure, teaching, research, and community service capacities of Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions. Key objectives include:

Infrastructure Development: Constructing and maintaining lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and other essential facilities.

Staff Development: Providing scholarships, training, and conference attendance opportunities for academic and non-academic staff.

Research and Innovation: Funding research projects to address national challenges and elevate Nigeria’s academic competitiveness globally.

Educational Quality: Ensuring tertiary institutions produce a skilled workforce capable of driving socio-economic development.

These efforts are guided by the principle of autonomy for universities, allowing them operational freedom to meet their mandates effectively, as emphasized by TETFund’s leadership in recent statements.


Recent News and Updates 

TETFund has been at the center of several significant developments in early 2025, reflecting both its achievements and the challenges it faces amid Nigeria’s economic and policy landscape. Below are the latest updates:

Budget Allocation for 2025The Nigerian government has allocated N940.5 billion to TETFund in the 2025 fiscal year budget, approved by lawmakers on February 13, 2025, at a total of 54.99 trillion naira ($36.6 billion). This allocation prioritizes manpower development and infrastructure maintenance rather than new construction projects. President Bola Tinubu has underscored the government’s commitment to education, linking this funding to broader initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed over N104 billion to more than 600,000 students nationwide.

Shift in Funding FocusIn January 2025, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced that TETFund would not finance new construction projects in 2025, focusing instead on maintaining existing facilities. This shift aims to maximize resource efficiency amid economic constraints, ensuring students and faculty benefit from functional learning environments. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has acknowledged TETFund’s past success in funding construction but raised concerns about potential funding reductions under proposed tax reforms.


Partnerships for Transparency and Capacity Building

NEITI Collaboration: On February 15, 2025, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, called for a partnership with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to enhance transparency in education tax remittances from extractive industries. This collaboration aims to close revenue gaps and support infrastructure development, with NEITI’s data center poised to provide critical insights once completed with TETFund’s technical support.

British Council Partnership: On February 26, 2025, TETFund announced a collaboration with the British Council to boost transnational education. Savings from a suspended overseas scholarship program will be redirected to in-house training and capacity-building initiatives, enhancing the capabilities of Nigerian institutions.

ASUU’s Concerns Over Tax Reform BillOn February 26, 2025, ASUU warned against the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which could phase out TETFund by repealing the 3% education tax. At a Senate public hearing, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke described the plan as a “serious threat” to tertiary education, emphasizing TETFund’s instrumental role in infrastructure and staff training. The union urged the National Assembly to safeguard TETFund’s funding mechanism.


Centres of Excellence and Project Commissioning

TETFund continues to invest in Centres of Excellence, such as the Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), established in 2020. These centers foster research and innovation in critical areas.

On February 7, 2025, TETFund commissioned over N1.3 billion worth of projects at Ebonyi State University, highlighting its contributions to creating conducive learning environments.

Historical Funding ImpactOn February 1, 2025, Sonny Echono revealed that between 2011 and 2024, TETFund disbursed N1.838 trillion to support tertiary education. This included scholarships for over 42,000 scholars, both locally and internationally, and approval for nearly 150,000 staff to attend conferences and workshops.


Achievements

TETFund’s interventions have yielded tangible results:

Infrastructure: Thousands of classrooms, laboratories, and hostels have been built or renovated, addressing chronic facility shortages.

Human Capital: Training programs have upskilled tens of thousands of academic staff, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

Research Output: Grants have supported applied and theoretical research in science, technology, and humanities, aligning with Nigeria’s 21st-century competitiveness goals.

Recognition: Vice Chancellors and stakeholders, such as Ebonyi State University’s Professor Chigozie Ogbu, have hailed TETFund as the “life-wire” of tertiary education.


Challenges

Despite its successes, TETFund faces significant hurdles:

Inadequate Funding: Sonny Echono has repeatedly highlighted that insufficient funding threatens quality education, with many institutions struggling to meet basic needs without TETFund’s intervention.


Policy Threats: The proposed tax reform bill risks undermining TETFund’s revenue base, prompting resistance from ASUU and other stakeholders.

Systemic Issues: Poor leadership, policy implementation gaps, insecurity, brain drain, and inadequate ICT facilities in universities complicate TETFund’s efforts, as noted by Echono in a February 22, 2025, convocation lecture.

Economic Pressures: Inflation and currency depreciation strain TETFund’s budget, limiting its ability to expand initiatives.


Future Directions

TETFund’s leadership has outlined ambitious plans aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:

University Autonomy: Advocating for greater independence to enhance institutional efficiency and innovation.

Global Competitiveness: Strengthening partnerships like those with the British Council to elevate Nigerian institutions on the world stage.

Research Focus: Increasing investment in research-driven solutions to national challenges, such as migration and technology development.

Sustainability: Ensuring funding stability through collaborations with NEITI and resisting policy changes that could disrupt its mandate.


Conclusion

As of February 27, 2025, TETFund remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, navigating a complex landscape of opportunities and threats. Its N940.5 billion allocation for 2025, strategic partnerships, and focus on maintenance and capacity building signal a pragmatic approach to sustaining progress. However, the potential abrogation of its funding source under the tax reform bill looms large, testing the resilience of its stakeholders. TETFund’s ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain its relevance will determine its impact on shaping Nigeria’s educational future. Stakeholders, including government, academia, and civil society, must rally to protect and enhance this vital institution to ensure it continues driving national development.