FEC approves six-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions, recognises medical fellowships, and restores national literacy commission

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions, while recognising medical fellowships as equivalent to doctoral degrees and restoring the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education as an independent body.

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Briefing journalists after the FEC meeting, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa explained that the moratorium on universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education aims to improve quality and sustainability, particularly in private institutions.

“Today, access is not easy in the country. We have lots of tertiary institutions, both public and private, but we need to help these private institutions become financially sustainable,” Alausa said.

He cited data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board showing that more than 2.3 million candidates applied for university admission last year, while public institutions had fewer than 228,000 available spaces.

The minister emphasised that the pause will enable the government to strengthen existing institutions and enhance educational standards nationwide.

“I am committed to ensuring that every single child and citizen of this country receives the highest quality of education comparable to anywhere in the world,” he added.

On the restoration of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Alausa said the move is part of the administration’s plan to address Nigeria’s literacy challenges and equip citizens with digital and basic education skills.

“In view of Mr President’s expansive agenda to educate over 50 million young adults in the next two to three years and make them digitally literate, we sought the approval of the council to revert it back to a commission,” he said.

The minister also confirmed that FEC approved amendments to the National Postgraduate Medical College Act to recognise medical fellowship qualifications as equivalent to PhD degrees.

He noted that doctors often spend over a decade in medical training, residency, and fellowship programmes but still require a PhD for professorial appointments, a situation the reform aims to harmonise.

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Alausa added that comprehensive insurance coverage was approved for the country’s 180 Federal Unity Schools, further reflecting the administration’s commitment to raising standards across Nigeria’s education sector.