By Gwurld4026 
New Application Fee Structure for Private Universities
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a significant increase in the fees associated with establishing private universities in Nigeria. According to a memo issued by NUC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, the fee for purchasing application forms has been raised from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, while the processing fee has been elevated from ₦5 million to ₦25 million.
This decision is part of the NUC’s efforts to reposition private university education in Nigeria to better meet contemporary challenges. The Commission has also suspended the processing of inactive applications, including those that have not progressed in over two years or are only at the letter of intent stage. Applicants who have already purchased application forms are expected to pay the revised processing fee within 30 working days to avoid forfeiting their pending applications.
Additionally, the NUC has imposed a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities, effective from February 10, 2025. This pause is intended to allow the Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of pending applications and ensure that new institutions are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.