The establishment of a private university in Nigeria presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s educational and socio-economic development. With the increasing demand for quality higher education and the need for institutions that promote academic excellence, innovation, and character development, private universities have become essential in bridging the gap left by public institutions.
STEPS IN SETTING UP A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY
Step 1: Application, in writing, stating the intent for the establishment of the University
Interested applicants are expected to apply in writing, to the Executive Secretary, NUC, stating the intent for the establishment of the university. The declaration of intent should include, in brief, the name of the proposed University, the location, the mission and vision, the nature of the proposed university and its proposed focal niche in the current Nigerian University System, etc.
Step 2: Interview of Promoters to Ascertain their Seriousness
Step 3: Collection of Application Forms
Following due consideration of the application in writing, individuals or corporate bodies seeking to establish a private university are expected to send a representative to come to the Commission with the prescribed payment to collect a set of ten (10) application forms in person. Upon collection of the forms, copies of guidelines and other requirements are also given for proper guidance. Other clarifications are also sought and given as appropriate.
Step 4: Submission of Application Forms and Relevant Documents
The completed application forms are forwarded with a non-refundable processing fee in Bank Draft addressed to NUC along with one or more of the following documents, if ready:
✅ Draft Academic Brief;
✅ Draft Physical Masterplan;
✅ Draft University Law;
✅ Counterpart Deed of Assignment;
✅ Certificate of Incorporation/Registration of Proprietors (accompanied with Articles and Memorandum of Association);
✅ Deed of Assignment/Certificate of Occupancy;
✅ Letter of Available Liquid Cash; and
✅ Bank Guarantee of Funds to the tune of N200 Million from a reputable Bank.
It is usually advised that the last two documents should not be procured by the applicant until processing of the application has reached an advanced stage. Submission should also be at the instance of the Directorate of Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU).
Step 5: Interactive Meeting of DEPU with the proposed university
Normally, DEPU invites the members of the Planning & Implementation Committee of the proposed university to NUC for an interactive meeting as a prelude to the first verification visit to its campus site. During the meeting, the process of documentation and other matters bordering on university governance are discussed and many grey areas are resolved. The meeting also affords the proposed university the opportunity to interact with the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of NUC and his Management team for words of advice and encouragement. Also, a seminar presentation is delivered to avail the prospective Proprietors of the basic philosophy of universities and their societal roles.
Step 6: Completion of Submission of Outstanding relevant documents
The Proprietors of the private Universities who had submitted part of the relevant documents, are expected to make full submissions at this stage. The relevant documents, include the draft Academic Briefs, draft Masterplan and the draft University Law.
Step 7: Intensive Review/Analysis of Documents by experts in Relevant NUC Departments
Following submission of the completed application forms and relevant documents, the documents are forwarded to the professional Departments for analysis after which their comments and observations on such documents are sent to the Committee for onward transmission to the proposed university. For instance, Academic Brief and Masterplan documents are forwarded to the Department of Academic Standards. The legal documents such as the University Law, Counterpart Deed of Assignment, Certificate of Incorporation/Registration and Deed of Assignment/Certificate of Occupancy are usually forwarded to the Legal Unit of the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Step 8: First Verification Visit
DEPU undertakes a verification visit to the proposed university to review their documents with them on one-on-one basis and to assess the level of preparedness in terms of documentation. During this visit, inspection of physical facilities is also undertaken to ascertain their adequacy for the proposed Colleges for the first phase. In addition, courtesy calls are paid to the government establishments that provide infrastructural facilities such as electricity, water and telecommunication including the traditional rulers and local government headquarters of where the proposed university is located. These visits are undertaken to solicit support of the host community for the proposed university and also let them know that a university is being proposed in that area. This visit is considered very important as it reveals whether the Proprietor is committed to the project and is a prerequisite to the final verification visit.
Step 9: Revision of Documentation by Proprietors based on Report by DEPU of NUC
Following the first visit, the proposed university is expected to revise its documents and undertake the modifications of its facilities to reflect the prescriptions given during the visit. The revised documents are forwarded to NUC for assessment of compliance. If found that progress has been made in that direction, the second (final) verification visit is scheduled to the proposed university.
Step 10: Second Verification Visit
This is expected to be the final visit to the proposed university, depending on the level of compliance with the given prescriptions. As a result, the documents are reviewed along with the Planning & Implementation Committee with a view to perfecting them as to bring them to an acceptable level. The evidence of available liquid cash documents are inspected and analyzed by the financial expert on the Committee. The Bank Guarantee of Fund to the tune of N200 million will also be sighted along with other legal documents for eventual submission to NUC. Final inspection of physical facilities is also carried out to ascertain whether they are in consonance with the approved NUC norms.
Step 11: Security Screening of Proprietors and Board of Trustees
The purpose of screening the proprietor (Promoter) and members of Board of Trustees of the proposed universities is to enable the Government to ascertain the credibility of those who are sponsoring the university project and to ensure that they are not persons of questionable character.
Step 12: Approval By NUC Management
DEPU, on return to NUC from the final verification visit, writes a comprehensive report with scores to the NUC Management for its consideration and further necessary action.
Step 13: Approval By NUC Board
The NUC Management, upon receipt of DEPU report on the proposed university, considers and makes appropriate recommendation to the University Development Committee (UDC) of the NUC Board for its consideration after which the latter submits it to the Board for ratification. The Board, thereafter, forwards its recommendation to the Federal Government through the Honorable Minister of Education for its consideration and approval.
Step 14: Approval by Federal Executive Council
The Federal Executive Council considers the recommendations of the NUC Board and Security report on the proposed university’s Promoters. If approved, a three-year Provisional License is granted the Proprietor. Only satisfactory performance during the probationary period will earn the Proprietor a substantive License.
FAQS
- What is the process for establishing a private university in Nigeria?
The process involves several stages, including submission of an application to the NUC, resource verification, a technical report, an interview with the Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU), and final approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). - What is the role of the National Universities Commission (NUC)?
The NUC is the regulatory body responsible for setting standards, granting approvals, and ensuring quality assurance in Nigerian universities. - What are the minimum requirements for establishing a private university nigeria?
Some key requirements include:
✅ A well-defined vision and mission
✅ Adequate funding and financial sustainability
✅ Availability of land and infrastructure
✅ A detailed academic and administrative structure
✅ Compliance with NUC guidelines
- How long does it take to obtain approval?
The entire process can take several years, depending on how quickly requirements are met and the NUC’s evaluation timeline. - What courses can a private university offer?
Universities can offer various courses but must obtain NUC approval for each program. Accreditation is required before students can graduate. - What are the penalties for operating without approval?
Operating an unapproved university is illegal and may result in closure, fines, or legal action by the government.
COST
✅ Application Form at NUC
✅ Facilitator Fee
✅ Processing fee
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NOTE
The institution will adhere to the regulatory requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC) while upholding the highest standards of learning and infrastructure.
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