PRESIDENT  Bola Tinubu recently assented to two separate bills establishing two new federal universities in Ekiti and Osun States. The two new institutions are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.

THE Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, made the announcement following the signing of the two pieces of legislation at the  State House, Abuja.

PRESIDENT Tinubu stated that the specialised institutions will address the educational needs of the populace, drive research and innovation, and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth and development.

ON March 31, 2025, the Federal Government also approved provisional operational licences for 11 new private universities across the country, further expanding Nigeria’s higher education sector.

THE newly approved institutions include New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, FCT; and Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State.

OTHERS are: Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State; Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State; and Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State, among others. The approvals for the establishment of these institutions bring the total number of private universities in Nigeria to 160.

ADDITIONALLY, with these approvals, Nigeria now has a total of 288 universities, comprising 65 federal, 63 state, and 160 private.  The Hope commends the Federal Government for these bold initiatives, as the institutions will serve as training grounds for professionals in agriculture, science, and technology sectors of the nation’s economy,  and also  enhancing competitiveness in the global economy.

THESE universities will also bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology, and innovation, promoting environmental sustainability and climate action, and ultimately enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria.

SPECIFICALLY , the new Ekiti University is expected to specialise in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates equipped with 21st Century skills in engineering, digital innovation, and applied sciences. The university will drive Nigeria’s industrialisation by fostering homegrown technological solutions for economic growth and job creation.

ON its part, the new Osun federal university is entrusted with the responsibility of advancing agricultural research and innovation essential to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. The university is expected to serve as a centre for advanced agricultural education, research, and innovation, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

THE university will also stimulate economic activities in Iragbiji and surrounding communities, creating employment and business opportunities.

WHILE  the establishment of these universities is a welcome development, The Hope however, urges the Federal Government to ensure that the institutions are properly funded, with adequate manpower and necessary facilities, to ensure that the purpose of their establishment is realised. Poor funding of universities has resulted in  the mass exodus of brilliant minds  in the   country, development that has worsened the brain drain syndrome.

FOCUS should also be shifted to the training of highly skilled professionals in our universities, rather than purely theoretical engagements, to ensure the availability of manpower that can provide solutions to epileptic power supply, technological gaps, and other national challenges, reducing the over-reliance on white-collar jobs.

WITH  President Tinubu’s approvals, the Federal Government has taken a major step towards addressing deficiencies in environmental technology, food security, and agricultural innovation.