The Federal Government has approved the establishment of 37 new private universities nationwide.
This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday.
He spoke after an extraordinary meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja.
Monday’s approval brings the total number of universities approved for establishment under the Buhari-led government to 72.
They include 14 Federal Universities, 21 State Universities and 37 Private Universities from 2015 to date.
Adamu who declined to mention the names of the newly-approved higher institutions of learning only revealed that one of the 37 was an online university operated by a female Chancellor from Bauchi State.
When questioned about the FG’s move to establish more universities despite the ailing public university structure nationwide, Adamu argued that the country needs more universities to school its swelling youth population.
He said “We need more universities. The existence of the many universities should not deter the creation of new ones. Besides, these are private universities.”
The council also approved the universal implementation of the Employee Compensation Act 2010 which makes comprehensive provisions for payment of compensation to employees who suffer from occupational diseases or sustain injuries from accidents suffered in the line of duty.
