The Federal Government has increased the processing fee for establishing private universities in Nigeria from N5 million to N25 million, a 400% hike, according to a memo released by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The NUC stated that the increase followed a directive from the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and aims to enhance the regulation and coordination of private universities in Nigeria.

The processing fee is paid by individuals or organizations seeking approval to establish private universities and covers administrative, evaluation, and regulatory costs.

Additionally, the cost of application forms has risen from N1 million to N5 million. The NUC has also suspended inactive applications, including those that have been stagnant for over two years. Applicants who have already purchased forms must pay the new processing fee within 30 working days or risk forfeiting their applications.

As of February 2025, Nigeria has 149 private universities, alongside 63 federal and 63 state-owned institutions.

While the increase is intended to ensure quality standards in private university operations, stakeholders express concerns that it could reduce competition, drive up tuition costs, and limit educational access particularly in regions where private universities serve as alternatives to overcrowded public institutions.