The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially recognized the establishment of Kwara State University of Education in Ilorin, bringing the total number of universities in Nigeria to 274.
Naija News reports that this includes 64 state-owned universities and 148 private institutions.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki, handed over the recognition letter to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Afolabi, during a brief ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.
The recognition was granted following the submission of three essential documents required for the establishment of a new university: the law establishing the institution, which was approved by the Kwara State House of Assembly, the Academic Brief, and the Physical Master Plan.
Maiyaki emphasized the importance of sustainable funding for the new university and other state-owned institutions, pointing out that financial support remains a significant challenge for higher education in Nigeria.
“Funding is not negotiable. The governor must give the university political support. Let the Universities stand the test of time by giving them high level support,” Maiyaki stated.
Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Kayode Afolabi expressed delight at the recognition, highlighting that the new university aims to broaden access to quality higher education in the state.
Afolabi affirmed the government’s commitment to improving funding for tertiary education and noted that the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq has prioritized education across all levels.
He also mentioned that the university already has substantial infrastructure in place, having been upgraded from a College of Education to a university.
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