…Says institutions lack resources, under-enrolled,
…Approves N493bn for Kano–Katsina Road, new Carter Bridge
…Votes N142bn for modern bus terminals nationwide
By John Paul
The Federal Government has placed a seven-year moratorium on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, citing under-enrolment, resource strain, and inefficiency in existing institutions.
The decision was reached yesterday at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, told State House correspondents that the policy shift was aimed at halting the proliferation of new tertiary schools and channelling resources into rehabilitating infrastructure, training staff, and improving academic standards.
Alausa disclosed that in the ongoing 2024/2025 admission cycle, 199 universities had fewer than 100 applicants each, while 34 had none at all. Similar patterns were observed in polytechnics and colleges of education.
He cited a federal university with fewer than 800 students but over 1,200 staff as “a glaring case of waste,” stressing that the government’s priority now was “quality, not quantity.”
“This pause, effective until 2032, will allow us to consolidate what we have, upgrade facilities, and ensure our graduates can compete globally,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, the FEC also approved N493 billion for two major infrastructure projects -upgrading the 152-kilometre Kano–Katsina Road and replacing the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, explained that cost adjustments were made due to economic realities. Section One of the Kano–Katsina Road, awarded in 2013 at N14 billion, has now risen to N68 billion, while Section Two, awarded in 2019 at N29 billion, is now N66.1 billion.
For the Carter Bridge, Umahi revealed that underwater inspections in 2013 and 2019 showed severe structural damage from sand mining, erosion, and corrosion. Julius Berger has recommended total replacement at an estimated N359 billion, with funding talks ongoing with Deutsche Bank.
The minister also flagged similar problems on the 3rd Mainland Bridge, with rehabilitation projected at N3.8 trillion and a new bridge at N3.6 trillion. The The FEC approved engagement of specialist contractors under an EPC+F model to explore options.
Emergency repairs were also approved for Jalingo Bridge (Taraba), Ido Bridge, Keffi Flyover (Nasarawa), Mokwa Bridge (Niger), a bridge on the Abuja–Kogi route, multiple Lagos–Ibadan bridges, Jebba Bridge (Kwara), and the Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge (Lagos).
In a separate approval, the council voted N142.03 billion for modern bus terminals in Abeokuta, Gombe, Kano, Lokoja, Onitsha, and Ewu in Edo State.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, said the purpose-built facilities, the first direct FG intervention in road transport infrastructure beyond roads, will improve passenger safety, reduce crime, and stimulate commerce along major transport corridors.
Alkali said the absence of such terminals had fuelled roadside crime, accidents, and illegal arms proliferation. He assured that the project, awarded to Messrs Planet Project Limited, was selected for high-impact economic viability.