The National Universities Commission NUC on Thursday presented operational licenses to 20 new private universities recently approved by the Federal Government to commence academic activities.
Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, presented the licences to the universities on behalf of the government, a development that brings the total number of the nation’s private universities to 99.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), Nigeria’s apex decision body making had approved the universities in February 2021.
Adamu was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.
Some of the prominent names among the chairmen of the new private universities include the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Suleiman Bogoro, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, among others.
The names of the new universities, the proprietors and the board of trustees’ chairmen include Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State, Proprietor; Thomas Abraham Foundation, Chairman – Emmanuel Thomas.
Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State; Proprietor; Decrown West African Company Limited, Chairman-John Akanya. Maranta University, Mgbidi, Imo State; Proprietor; Elim International Studies and Management Limited; Chairman- Chukwuemeka Ngubo
Ave-Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State; Proprietor, Ave Maria Foundation, Chairman; Matthew Audu, Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State; Proprietor, Al-Istiqama College of Health Sciences and Technology Sumaila Ltd; Chairman – Suleiman Kawu Sumaila.
Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State, Proprietor; Mudiame International Ltd. Chairman – Okoeguale Momodu. Havila University, Nde-Nkom, Cross River State, Proprietor; Steady Flow International Ltd, Chairman – Florence Obi.
Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State, Proprietor; Claretian University Education Foundation, Chairman – Hilary Dachelem, Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State, Proprietor; The Church of Christ in Nigeria, Chairman- Suleiman Bogoro
Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, Proprietor; Sherah Educational Resources Ltd, Chairman – Matthew Kukah, James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos State, Proprietor; James Hope Foundation, Chairman-Jim Ovia
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Gwarzo, Kano State, Proprietor; Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation. Chairman- Bello Gwarzo
Capital City University, Warawa, Kano State, Proprietor; Accessible and Quality Higher Education Foundation, Chairman-Sani Muhammed
Ahman Pategi University, Pategi, Kwara State, Proprietor; Aliyu Ahman Pategi Foundation, Chairman-Aliyu Ahman-Pategi. University of Offa, Kwara State, Proprietor; Pak Unity Petroleum Company Ltd, Chairman – Rasaq Oyewale.
Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State, Proprietor; Key Science Education Foundation, Chairman – Salihu Mustafa, Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State, Proprietor; Multi-Gold International Ltd, Chairman-Yahaya Abubakar
Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja, Proprietor; Grace Garden International School Ltd; Chairman – Collins Aimuan, Khadija University, Majja, Jigawa State, Proprietor; Khadija University Limited, Chairman – Najib Adamu
ANAN University, Kwall, Plateau State, Proprietor; Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Chairman-Muhammad Mainoma.