Senate Suspends New University Bills to Focus on Existing Institutions

The Nigerian Senate has directed its committees and the Clerk to suspend the processing of all bills aimed at establishing new universities and other tertiary institutions. This decision enforces a Federal Government moratorium intended to consolidate existing educational institutions.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) announced this during a plenary session, stressing the importance of adequately funding and equipping current federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges. He advised the Clerk to guide lawmakers on this policy, acknowledging the pressures they face from constituents.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North) revealed that President Bola Tinubu had met with National Assembly leadership to discuss this strategic policy shift, requesting a five-to-seven-year moratorium to focus resources on upgrading existing infrastructure. Akpabio pointed out that many newly established universities lack operational sites, emphasizing that establishing a university is a significant national responsibility.

He instructed the Clerk to stop listing any new tertiary institution bills for consideration.