President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the initiation of academic activities at six out of the 14 new universities established during the final days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, made this announcement following a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
Professor Mamman outlined that the initial phase will focus on launching two universities specializing in agriculture, two as colleges of education, and two dedicated to the field of medicine. The decision to begin with these six institutions is primarily due to the significant financial challenges associated with establishing a dozen or more tertiary institutions simultaneously. These educational institutions demand substantial funding for infrastructure, staff recruitment, and other essential requirements.
The minister emphasized that these universities align strategically with the core objectives and priorities of President Tinubu’s administration. He noted that these institutions, including colleges of education, agriculture, and medicine, play a crucial role in fulfilling the government’s mandates, particularly in terms of producing trained teachers and professionals in these vital fields.
Among the universities established during this period are David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences in Uburu, Federal University of Transport in Daura, Katsina, Shehu Shagari University of Education in Sokoto, and Admiralty University in Ibusa, Delta State.
Furthermore, the minister informed that President Tinubu has also granted approval for the completion of the National Library, with a projected timeline of 21 months for its completion as the nation’s repository. President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with this proposal, emphasizing the importance of finishing this national monument.
