Number of public universities in Nigeria increases to 130 as Tinubu approves new federal varsities in Osun, Ekiti
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of new federal universities in Osun and Ekiti states.
The 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 announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, following the signing of the two legislations at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday
The Senate had passed both bills—sponsored by Bamidele in 2023 and 2024—before securing concurrence from the House of Representatives and eventual presidential approval.
In a statement released on Thursday, titled “NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun”, issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader, Bamidele emphasised the critical role of the universities in national development.
“These universities will bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology, and innovation, promote environmental sustainability and climate action, and enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria,” he
stated.
He described the presidential assent as a “defining and significant milestone” in the administration’s efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate change challenges.
Corroborating the development, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released on Thursday said President Tinubu said these specialised institutions will address the educational needs of the populace while driving research and innovation and contributing to the country’s overall economic growth and development.
“Tinubu also said that the institutions will serve as training grounds for developing agriculture, science and technology professionals and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.” Onanuga statement reads.
The development pushes the total number of public universities in Nigeria to 130.
Public universites are the universites owned or funded by federal or state governments.
According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria has 63 approved federal universities and 63 state universities.
On February 3, 2025, the President approved establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoni town of Tai, Rivers State.
The President also consented to the Federal Government’s takeover of a forfeited private university in Southern Kaduna and its transformation into a federal university.
Now with the approval of two federal universities in Osun and Ekiti, the total number of public universities in Nigeria is 130.
