Senate suspends processing of bills for new universities, tertiary institutions

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Senate has directed its committees and the Clerk of the National Assembly to suspend the processing of bills seeking the establishment of new universities and other tertiary institutions, in line with the Federal Government’s policy to halt the creation of additional institutions.

The Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, announced the directive during plenary on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to comply with the government’s decision and prioritise the development of existing institutions.

Bamidele said the policy was intended to strengthen universities and other tertiary institutions already established across the country before considering proposals for new ones.

He explained that the directive was consistent with the Federal Government’s position on consolidating existing investments in higher education rather than expanding the number of institutions without ensuring their capacity to operate effectively.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also supported the policy, explaining that the moratorium would provide existing institutions with the opportunity to develop their infrastructure and commence effective academic operations.

Akpabio observed that some recently established universities existed largely on paper, with several yet to acquire permanent sites or complete the necessary site-clearance processes.

He stressed that establishing a university required significant planning, resources and institutional commitment, adding that the process should not be treated with the same ease as establishing primary schools.

According to him, universities are national institutions expected to serve students from different parts of the country, irrespective of their geographical locations.

The Senate President noted that the Federal Government had made efforts to ensure the geographical distribution of universities across the country, making it necessary to consolidate existing investments and strengthen their operations.

The directive places a temporary hold on the legislative processing of proposals for additional universities and other tertiary institutions, reflecting the government’s position that existing institutions should be adequately developed before further expansion is considered.

The development also raises the importance of infrastructure, permanent campuses and operational readiness in the establishment of higher education institutions, particularly as the country seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of tertiary education.

By suspending the processing of new establishment bills, the Senate is expected to align its legislative activities with the Federal Government’s moratorium while existing institutions are given room to strengthen their capacity and academic operations.