As of November 27, 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Universities Commission, has approved a total of 147 private universities. These institutions coexist with universities owned by both the Federal and state governments.
The proliferation of private universities in the country has been attributed to persistent industrial actions, insufficient funding, and decay in public universities. The numbers have surged from just three in 1999 to 147 in 2023, with the National Universities Commission revealing that it has over 270 pending requests for the establishment of additional private universities.
An examination of the private universities, sourced from the NUC website on Tuesday, indicates that a majority of these institutions are established by religious organizations and individuals who are current or former politicians.
Daybreak Nigeria delves into a review of some of the private universities established by members of the Nigerian political class.
1. **Bells University, Ogun State:** Established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bells University also boasts the presence of former Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dakwambo, and former Ogun Central senator, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello on its board.
2. **American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State:** Owned by former Vice-President of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.
3. **Amaj University, Kwali, Abuja:** Founded by former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, it is one of the recently licensed private universities in Nigeria, receiving its license in 2023.
4. **Hensard University, Bayelsa State:** Another newly licensed private university, owned by former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson.
5. **PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State:** Founded by former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili, and featuring on its board former military administrator Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Senator Abu Ibrahim.
6. **Baze University, Abuja:** Founded by Datti Baba-Ahmed, a former senator and vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.
7. **Eastern Palms University, Imo State:** Established by former Imo State governor and ninth senate representative for Imo West senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha.
8. **Edwin Clark University:** Founded by former federal commissioner of Information and elder statesman, Edwin Clark.
9. **Sports University, Delta State:** Owned by current senator Ned Nwoko, who obtained the license for the institution in 2021.
Meanwhile, several private universities also count past and present politicians among their Board of Trustees and governing councils.
– For instance, the current First Lady and former senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Remi Tinubu, is a member of the Board of Trustees at Kings University in Odemu, Osun State.
– Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is a member of the Board of Trustees at Achievers University.
– Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Senator Osita Izunaso, among others, sit on the governing council of Abuja-based Nile University.
– Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sam Ohuabunwa, serves as the Chairman of the Council at Gregory University Uturu in Abia State.
– Kaduna-based Greenfield University includes former member of the Eighth House of Representatives, Muhammed Usman, among others on its board.
