HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: CHRONOLOGY AND THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Abstract 

University education in Nigeria from the beginning (colonial era) seemed to be a mirage for Nigerians, with lack of interest demonstrated by the Christian Missionaries who first started giving education and subsequent involvement of the colonial government who equally neglected the provision of higher education to Nigeria; for the fear of their authority being questioned or challenged when Nigerians are provided with such opportunity of higher education. This paper, therefore, by chronology, traced and analysed at different points, the historical development of Universities in Nigeria and carefully reviewed the journey so far from the colonial to post-colonial periods. The contemporary efforts of both the Governments at the federal and state levels; as well as the private individuals and faith-based organisations (Christian and Muslim) are captured. In conclusion, the paper appraised the situation in the Nigerian University education in terms of number, government dispositions and the attendant consequences plaguing the system. However, a call on government to be responsive and redouble her efforts, be alive to her responsibilities, as well as emulating ways of doing things by other countries in line with global best practices. 

Keywords: Historical Development, Universities, Chronology and the Journey So Far

Introduction 

Development of higher education in Nigeria came within the pre-independence period (colonial era). The desire for having University in West Africa and indeed in Nigeria was highly exhibited for over a century before it finally came. Although, some Africans, including Nigerians had had what could be regarded as higher education, but not on the African soil. Fafunwa (1974) gives Samuel Ajayi Crowther as one of such early receivers of higher education when he was sold into slavery. Quite a number of other Africans were equally opportuned to receive higher education abroad. The crop of these people later constituted the African nationalists who were in agitation for better deals for the Africans and their education. 

The missionaries who started the business of education never assumed responsibility for education above primary and secondary levels. In short, missionaries’ efforts covered only the two levels of education– primary and secondary. Higher education was not dabbled into, probably; the initial and major intention was not even originally to make education their priority for Nigerians, but evangelism. Similarly, the colonial government from the beginning did not have an iota of focus on giving education to Nigerians, not to talk of higher education. This was the case, because of the feeling that if Africans, generally and Nigerians, specifically were to be well educated; they would become informed and their authority would be challenged. 

Aside from the existing secondary schools by the missionaries, voluntary agencies and those established by the colonial government, particularly the Kings College, Lagos in 1909 and Queens College, also in Lagos in 1927, as well as other Government secondary schools established at Ibadan, Umuahia and other locations in Nigeria; there existed some post-secondary schools which Osokoya (1989), Kosemani and Okorosaye-Orubite (1995) and Fafunwa (1974) inform, were created as further professional education centres slightly above secondary schools by some government departments and parastatals like Agriculture and Railway. These post-secondary schools were the Central Agricultural Research Stations (CARS), established at Moor Plantation, Ibadan and another one at Samaru in Zaria. So also, the centre for Veterinary Medicine was sited at Vom, Jos and the Nigerian Railway in Lagos as the centre for engineering training; all providing sub-professional training for Nigerians before 1930. 

However, the increasing awareness of few educated Nigerians (the nationalists) who felt very dissatisfied with this debasement of Nigerians in the establishment of post-secondary centres, instead of higher education institutions, leading to criticisms and serious agitations which compelled the Nigerian colonial government to consider the need for higher educational institution for Nigerians. This was eventually provided, may be to silence the nationalists or pacify Nigerians who for so long had desired higher education on the African soil. 

With the merger of the two education departments of Northern and Southern Nigeria as one in 1929, Sir Eric R. J. Hussey became the first Nigeria’s Director of Education (equivalent of Education Minister). By 1930, Hussey proposed three levels of education for Nigeria, just like he did in Uganda in 1922; where he established Makerere Higher College. Osokoya (1989:72) considers Hussey’s proposal as that which provided a prototype of Makerere in structure and operation. The proposal, therefore, was focused on the establishment of: 

1. Primary level which should be six (6) years, replacing the initial eight (8) with local language as the medium of instruction. The curriculum was to include Agriculture, Hygiene, handicraft and interest in the local environment. 
2. Secondary level which should also be for six (6) years and after which they can search for employment in any fields. 
3. (iii) Vocational higher education level that vocational courses are to be provided and to ultimately grow to the British standard of university. 

The Yaba Higher College, Yaba 

Following Hussey’s proposal to the Nigerian parliament in 1930 of the need to structure Nigerian education into three (3) levels as earlier highlighted, the last stage of this proposal eventually led to the establishment of Yaba College in 1932. Yaba Higher College was the first Nigerian institution that provided higher education to train Nigerians to be qualified personnel in the fields of medicine, engineering, teacher training, agriculture, forestry, commerce, veterinary medicine and survey. Officially, Yaba Higher College was opened in 1934, admitted and accommodated its students in 1932 at Kings College, Lagos as a temporary location. By the 1934 official opening of the College, students were already in their first, second and third years. 

The establishment of Yaba Higher College was vehemently criticized and lampooned by the Nigerian nationalists who preferred a university to the college. The reasons advanced for these criticisms and rejection were given that: 

• Nationalists found the curriculum of the college too narrow, inferior to and incapable of meeting the needs of the country, 

• The certificate of the college had no recognition outside Nigeria and 

• The certificate only qualified Nigerians as junior staff and assistants in the colonial civil service. With all the criticisms, Government turned deaf ears. 

Against all odds, Yaba Higher College existed for fifteen years and turned out a number of educated Nigerians who became ripe for administrative and technical positions in the Nigerian civil service as at independence in 1960 (Osokoya, 1989). However, and despite the long period of the Colleges existence, the nationalists did not relent in their agitation for a university. Based on this incessant demand for university institution in West Africa since 1886, and the subsequent vehement opposition to the characteristic features of the Yaba Higher College by the Nigerian nationalists, Okorosaye-Orubite (n.d) observes that it appeared the Colonial Office was ready to sponsor further discussions on the whole problem of higher education as was being done already in East Africa. Fajana (1978:109) also remarks that “there seemed to be a growing feeling in the Colonial Office and in the Advisory Committee on Education that the time had come when something should be done to advance higher education in West Africa”. 

The ceaseless criticisms of Yaba Higher College by the Nigerian nationalists and the Channon Report, 1943, which according to Furley and Watson (1978:305) advocated “for fully comprehensive universities with good research facilities, able to drop the London external degree and substitute their own degrees before very long” appealed to the then Colonial Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Oliver Stanley, who immediately set up two commissions simultaneously. One was the Commission on Higher Education in the Colonies headed by Mr. Justice Sir Cyril Asquith and the other-the Commission on Higher Education in West Africa, chaired by Colonel Water Elliot. 

These two distinct commissions on the prospect for the establishment of universities in British colonial West Africa were set up in 1943. 

Commissions on Higher Education, 1943 

Asquith Commission. 

This commission was set up to consider the principles which should guide the promotion of higher education, learning, research and development of universities in the colonies; and to explore means by which UK universities and other appropriate bodies can cooperate to bring the principles to achievable ends. The commission recommended that: 

1. Universities should be established as soon as possible in areas not served by an existing one and should begin as university college 
2. There should be training of teachers for secondary schools 
3. Should be residential and open to both male and female 
4. Colonial universities should be autonomous as those in the UK.
5. Colonial universities should enter into special relationship with the London University for the award of degrees etc. 

Elliot Commission 

This commission was earlier set up in 1943 in response to criticisms by the people of West Africa on the restriction of the Africans in participating in the affairs of their own countries. The commission was set up to assess and report on the organisation and facilities of existing centres of higher education in British West Africa. Consequently, the commission was to recommend on the future development of universities in the areas. 

From the Elliots Commission report, it was unanimously agreed on the urgent need and development of university in West Africa. However, there were two shades of opinion and reports (majority and minority). 

The Majority Report 

The majority report had it that three university colleges should be cited– one in Nigeria to include Faculties of Arts, Science and professional schools of Medicine, Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Health and Teacher Training courses. The second university college was to be cited in Gold Coast with Faculties of Arts, Science and Institute of Education. The third was designated for Sierra Leone with courses in Arts and Science, as well as intermediate level and Teacher Training courses. 

The Minority Report  

The minority report contrarily recommended the immediate establishment of only one university for the whole of West Africa which should be named West African University and to be located in Ibadan. It however recommended territorial Colleges for Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and Gambia. The reason advanced for this was because of few potential students in the whole of West African territory. 

As stated by Okorosaye-Orubite (nd), that whatever reasons, despite the fact that the Asquith Report and both the majority and minority reports of the Elliot Commission emphasized the urgent need for university education Africa, the British Parliament quickly deliberated on the Asquith Report and implemented the recommendations. However, the Elliot Report waited for a year before any action was taken on it. Even then it was another set of proposals which the Secretary of State for the Colonies sent to the Governors of the West African colonies. The proposals were along the lines of the minority report. 

In this regard, it became obvious that the Colonial Secretary was indeed inclined in line with his earlier announcement to implement the recommendations of the minority report that he himself signed despite protests. According to Okorosaye-Orubite (n.d) the British officials in Nigeria saw it as another opportunity to stall the development of university education in West Africa by pressing for the implementation of the recommendations of the minority report. 

Some important reactions to the Elliot Reports within and outside West Africa favoured the majority report. Minority report that favoured the establishment of only one university to serve the whole of West Africa to be known as West African University and sited in Ibadan. This was vehemently opposed by the people of Gold Coast and Sierra Leone. Even in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, whose President, Rev. I.O. Ransome-Kuti, was a signatory to the majority report, even demanded for more than one University College in Nigeria, giving the reason of its size, population and recorded Cambridge School Certificate successes of Nigerians. 

With the plethora of resistances and oppositions, the Inter-University Council for Higher Education in the Colonies which was earlier instituted in March 1946, based on the recommendations of the Asquith Commission, sent a delegation to West Africa headed by Sir William Hamilton-Fyfe, in December 1946. The delegation was to report on whether there should be only one university college or more. The Inter-University Council Memorandum on Higher Education in West Africa in 1947 and Secretary of States Despatch of 16th August, 1947 on Higher Education in West Africa. 

Importantly too, the fact that the Gold Coast Legislative Council Committee had already indicated the territorys willingness to fund the capital and recurrent expenditures for a university college if established, the Fyfe delegation recommended that a university college be established in the Gold Coast to be funded mostly from territorial funds. This, the then Colonial Secretary, Mr. Creech Jones accepted and subsequently the University Colleges of Ibadan and Legon were established in 1948. 

Immediately, the sum of £1,500,000 was made available from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund for starting the University College, Ibadan; and Dr. Kenneth Mellanby appointed principal designate (Okorosaye-Orubite, n.d). 

The Birth of a University in Nigeria 

The event that led to the establishment of University College Ibadan can be summed up with the recommendations of the two commissions set up in 1943, as well as the emergence of Arthur Greech Jones as the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1947 after the July, 1945 General Elections in the United Kingdom which his Labour Party won; coupled with the resistances and oppositions from all angles to the implementation of minority report. 

The above scenarios culminated in the eventual establishment of University College Ibadan and approval given in 1948 for the transfer of about 104 students of Yaba Higher College to form the foundation students of the new university. Dr. Kenneth Mellanby was appointed the first principal of the University College, Ibadan.

For a very long time that Nigeria expected the establishment of a university and eventually have one, it would have been expected according to Kosemani and Okorosaye-Orubite (1995) that Nigerians would see the establishment of University College Ibadan as a welcome development, but no sooner than its establishment than the general public and the press were antagonistic to this new university that the very first five years were characterised with criticisms and agitation for full university and not University College. 

There were a lot of discriminations in the staff strength, condition of service, students’ enrolment and admission policy, so also the curriculum was British-oriented. Between 1948 and 1949, the university had forty expatriates and six Africans. From this period till 1953, the number of expatriates increased to eighty-one while that of Africans remained stagnated at six. Also, from 1952 to 1962, the certificates issued to University Colleges graduates were similar to those given to private candidates who sat for London University Exams. 

In addition to the above, Okafor (1971:93-97) points out that the most constructive and lucid discussions of the university college by a Nigerian political party “was the Action Group policy paper on Higher education in Nigeria 1958”. He further explained the four serious defects of the college as put forward Action Policy paper, thus: 

1. That the University College was completely residential and this made university education rigidly exclusive.
2. That the academic orientation of the college was wrong. This, the paper explained to mean “the allocation of priorities to certain faculties at the expense of others and the emphasis placed on certain courses in relation to others” while Christian Religious Knowledge was introduced right from the beginning, Islamic and Arabic Studies were not offered. Arts, pure Science, Agricultural Science and Medicine were allocated high priorities while it took the college eight years to introduce education, law, economic, engineering, geology, archaeology, anthropology, sociology and forestry. Public administration and philosophy were not available as at 1958.
3. The relationship between technology and university education was poor. 

The paper explained that integrating potential of higher education was not utilized by the college authority. For example, in the 1957/58 academic session of 746 students enrolled in the college, only about 15 were from Northern Nigeria, yet the Northern region provided more than half of the nation’s population. 

Ashby Commission (April, 1959 – September, 1960) 

The Commission on Post-School Certificate and Higher Education other wise and popularly known as Ashby commission was the first Nigeria Commission set up on Higher Education in 1959 to investigate and recommend to the government, among others, on the needs for higher education in Nigeria. The Nine-man commission was set up by the Federal Minister of Education composed of three members each from Nigeria, Britain and America. 

The commission’s report was so comprehensive that it embraced the secondary, technical, commercial, veterinary and higher education needs of Nigeria. It also projected the manpower needs of the country up to the 1980’s and worked out effective strategies for realising such through the various levels of our education (NOUN, 2011). 

The major findings of the commission included: 

1. Lack of continuity from primary to secondary schools. It stated that students were not well prepared for higher education, stating that three-quarters of the teachers were uncertificated; 

2. That there were high drop-out rates leading to shortage of teachers; 

3. That secondary education was too literal; 

4. That few students were attracted to agriculture and technology; 

5. That there was educational imbalance between the North and the South. 

Ashby’s Recommendations 

The recommendations of Ashby Commissions Report, summarised in the Governments White Paper include among others the following: 

• Concentrating higher education in university institutions through the provision of degree courses suited to Nigerian needs. 

• All universities should be national in outlook and unnecessary duplication of expensive course should be avoided 

• Professional qualification in Commercial subjects should be gained through courses leading to a degree. • Each university should organised extension work in its own area. 

• Universities seeking federal funds, should negotiate through a national universities commission, not directly with the Ministry of Education 

• The international aid should be sought both in money and in the temporary loan of university places and of young graduate teachers from overseas. 

• That an inter-regional manpower board be set up to review nations needs and to formulate programmes for man-power development (Kosemani and Okorosaye-Orubite, 1995). 

The findings and the recommendations of the commission as highlighted above assisted, to a great extent, the establishment of more universities in the country. The report was submitted in October, 1960; few weeks before the opening of University of Nigeria Nsukka. Soon after independence, precisely on 7th October, 1960, University of Nigeria, Nsukka was formally opened as the first Nigerian autonomous and full-fledged university; patterned in line with American orientation. 

Subsequently, 3 other universities were established and University College Ibadan upgraded to a full-fledged autonomous University alongside University of Ife, Ile Ife, 1962; Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, 1962 and University of Lagos, Lagos, 1962. 

In summary, and by 1962; the number of universities in Nigeria rose from one in 1948 to five. These universities are: 

1. University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 1948; 

2. University of Nigeria Nsukka, 1960; 

3. University of Ife, Ile Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), 1962; 

4. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, 1962, and 

5. University of Lagos, Lagos, 1962. 

University of Benin and its Peculiarity 

University of Benin (UNIBEN) was later established in1970 for the people to have sense of belonging after the creation of Mid-Western region. University of Benin was founded in 1970 but established as Mid-West Institute of Technology in 1970 after under-studying Oregon State University in the United States and with her foundation staff which included 3 seconded staff of Oregon State University, namely– Prof. Glen Philips, Prof. John Harris and one other person. It was formally recognised by the NUC as a University, following the 1st July 1971 Edict No. 3 by the State Government to give it legal backing as university. As reported by Wikipedia (2013), the then visitor and Military Governor of Mid-western State, Col. Samuel O. Ogbemudia in his Budget Speech in April 1972, formally announced the change of the name of the Institute of Technology to the University of Benin. Eventually on 1 April 1975, University of Benin was voluntarily handed over to the Federal Government and University of Benin became a Federal University. With the different epochs in the birth of  UNIBEN, 1971, 1972 and 1975, these dates were not recognized as the foundation date. Therefore, 1970 remains the establishment date of University of Benin. 

The Second-Generation Universities 

The preparation of the Third National Development Plan in 1972 captured the period between 1975 to 1980 for the third phase of Governments development plan for the country by the Federal Ministry of Economic Development– The Central Planning Office, published in 1974. The Third National Development Plan of 1975 to 1980 gave Nigeria seven new Federal Universities, vis-a-vis the Bayero University, Kano; Usman Dan Fodyio University, Sokoto; University of Ilorin, University of Calabar, University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri and University of Jos. These Universities are today known as second generation universities. 

Table 1: Showing the Seven (7) Universities in 1975, From the Third National Development Plan, 1975-80 

S/N	Institution	Year	Status	Administrator	Designation
1.	University College, Port Harcourt	1975	University College of University of Lagos	Prof. Donald E. U Ekong	Principal
2.	University College, Ilorin	1975	University College of University of Ibadan	Prof. Oladipo. O. Akinkugbe	Principal
3.	University College, Kano	1975	University College of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria	Dr. Mahmud Tukur	Principal
4.	University of Calabar	1975	Autonomous	Prof. E. A. Ayandele	Vice Chancellor
5.	University of Jos	1975	Autonomous	Prof. E. O. Onuaguluchi	Vice Chancellor
6.	University of Maiduguri	1975	Autonomous	Prof. E. U. Essien-Udom	Vice Chancellor
7.	University of Sokoto	1975	Autonomous	Prof. S. A. S. Galandaci	Vice Chancellor

Source: Self Adapted: Federal Ministry of Economic Development, 1974; Fafunwa, 1974; Osokoya, 1989 and Kosemani & Okorosaye-Orubite, 1995 and Abdulrahman, 2012. 

State-Owned Universities 

All the first and second generations universities are Federal Government owned. However, the coming to effect in 1979, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria transferred University education from Exclusive List (of only federal legislation) to Concurrent List (of both federal and states legislation); the states immediately began to utilise this constitutional opportunity to establish their own Universities. The involvement of the State Governments in the establishment of universities in the country was pioneered by the old Rivers State Government with the establishment of Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Other States of the federation which do not exclude the then Bendel State State University, Imo State University, then Ondo State University, and others in Ogun, old Cross River, old Anambra, and Lagos States joined in the establishment of university institutions from 1979 – 1983. 

Generally, the characteristic features of Nigerian Universities are seen from their nature and proprietorship. There are those which are Federal Universities, there are also State Universities and there are private Universities. Among these universities are: 

1. Conventional Universities: Those offering courses in virtually all disciplines, not excluding Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, Mass Communication, Journalism, Technology/Engineering, Trades /Commercial etc.
2. Specialised Universities: Those offering courses in only one or two aspect(s) or discipline(s) found in the conventional universities, i.e. Science, Technology or both, Agriculture, Education etc. 
3. Other specialised Universities are the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Warri and etc.

4. Open University: the only open university in the country today is the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). NOUN is a non-residential, non-institutional based and non-formal educational institution. 

For equity and sense of unity, many Nigerian states had no federal universities until 2011, but the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan initiated this and all existing states not having federal universities were recognized. This consideration was first exhibited in 2011 with the establishment of Federal Universities in Lokoja (Kogi State), Lafia (Nasarawa State), Kashare (Gombe State), Wukari (Taraba State), Dutsinma (Katsina State), Dutse (Jigawa State), Ndufu-Alike (Ebonyi State), Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti State), Otu-Oke (Bayelsa State). For the sake of equity, the remaining States not captured earlier were finally remembered in 2013, these Federal Universities were established in Birni-Kebbi (Kebbi State), Gashua (Yobe State), Gusau (Zamfara State). 

Similarly, quite a number of States in Nigeria are not relenting or resting on their oars too, in the establishment of State’s Universities, even with an already existing one in the State. For example, Oyo State Government recently established another specialised State University, The Technical University, Ibadan. Similarly, the Kano State Government did same in the year 2012, establishing the Northwest University, Kano. Ondo State with an existing state’s university in Akungba still went ahead to establish a Medical University. Bayelsa State that already has a Niger Delta University at Wilberforce Island has also established another one named University of Africa at Toru-Orua. In Edo State, Ambrosse Alli University in Ekpoma has long been existing, but another State University has been established as Edo University at Iyamho. Delta State surpassed all other states by flooding the state with universities, despite the existing Delta State University at Abraka.  

More universities can be a welcome development, but the concern is about this indiscriminate multiplicity not commensurate with funding. There are pressures on the resources of the state, with attendant ugly manifestations on the income, recurrent and capital expenditures – facilities and equipment, salaries and welfare of staff are all the sources of worry in the quality delivery and provision of university education.  

Emergence of Private Universities Nigeria 

The first attempt at establishing private universities in Nigeria before 1999 fizzled out with Decree No. 19 Private Universities (Abolition and Prohibition Act, 1984) (Ogbondah, 2012). 

In 1985, Decree No. 19 of 1984 was amended allowing the establishment of higher education by Governments (Federal and States), company incorporated in Nigeria, individual, or association of individuals who are citizens of Nigeria. In 1991, the report of the Commission on the Review of Higher Education in Nigeria popularly called “the Longe Commission” gave credence to the establishment of university education by private organizations and individuals. The Federal Government accepted the above recommendations leading to the promulgation of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) (Amendment) Decree No. 9 of 1993, thereby paving way for the abrogation of federal or state governments monopoly of university education. 

Second Generation of Private Universities

In 1999, private ownership of university was liberalized, thereby, individuals, corporate bodies and faith-based (religious) organisations became increasingly interested in establishing universities. Igbinedion, Babcock and Madonna Universities were the first to be issued licences of operation; followed by Bowen University in 2001; Covenant, Pan African (now, Pan Atlantic), Benson Idahosa Universities in 2002 (Abdulrahman, 2017). Since 1999, there was no year that a university or more, federal, state or private was/were not established till the present. 

As already maintained, proprietorship of private Universities in Nigeria is not limited to Christian religious bodies like Seventh Day Adventist, owner of Babcock University, the Baptist, the owner of Bowen University; Methodist, owner of Wesley University; Anglican, the owner of Ajayi Crowther and the Catholic, owner of Caritas University. There are Christian individuals or Church founders or group who own their universities, such as: Fr. Prof. Edeh (Madonna University), Benson Idahosa, Igbinedion, Afe Babalola, Olusegun Obasanjo etc. In the overall analysis, Christian individuals and church bodies have the largest number of universities in Nigeria (See Appendix). 

Worthy of mention here is the fact that Muslim individuals and Islamic organisations are also not resting on their oars, but being pragmatic as well, in the establishment of private universities. The table below confirms this: 

Table 2: Muslim-Owned Universities in Nigeria 

S/N	University Name	Location	Founded	Proprietor
1	American University of Nigeria	Yola	2003	Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
2	Al-Qalam University,	Katsina Katsina	2005	KIF/Katsina Muslim Community
3	Al-Hikmah University	Ilorin	2005	Abdulraheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation (AROIF) Nig., in partnership with World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY)
4	Crescent University	Abeokuta	2005	Alhaji (Prince) Abdul-Jabar Bola Ajibola
5	Fountain University	Oshogbo	2007	Nasrul-Lahi Fathi (NASFAT) Society
6	Oduduwa University	Ipetu-modu	2009	Abdulrahman Adedoyin
7	Baze University	Abuja, FCT	2011	Sen. Yusuf  Datti Baba Ahmed
8	Summit University	Offa, KW	2015	Ansar-Ud-Deen Society

Source: NUC, 2026 – Self Tabulated 

Conclusion 

Currently in Nigeria, NUC (2026) reveals that there are 275 universities, with 65 being the federal, 63 state-owned and 147 owned by private individuals, faith-based proprietors and corporate organisations: providing university education to Nigerians. With the population of over 250 million that peopled Nigeria and considering the proportion of this population that seeks placement in our nation’s universities, two hundred and seventy-five (275) universities may not be enough, considering the carrying capacity of our universities. Obviously, Abdulrahman & Gabriel (2023) recount that the total number of potential students seeking admission into our universities is more, but the quality of education is a big question when looking at the dearth of facilities, improved welfare, laboratory equipment in short supplies, libraries are poorly stocked with current and relevant materials and others which are all bothering on financing (Gabriel & Abdulrahman, 2023). One thing that has to be mentioned is the endless industrial action by the university teachers. High cost of university education is also one impediment to brilliant, but indigent students.

Above all, poor funding of university education is traditional to Nigeria, with a paltry sum of money, less than the UNESCO’s recommendation and reasonable allocation for education at all levels . This poor funding is also responsible for ill-motivated Nigerian academics who prefer to search greener pastures abroad and leading to brain-drain. 

On the other hand, the available Nigerian universities’ lecturers incessantly have issues with government which consistently drag these academics to industrial action (strike) in protest to the government. 

Finally, higher education in Nigeria is not only received in the universities, but in other tertiary institutions. In summary, other categories of higher institutions in Nigeria are the polytechnics, mono-technics, research and training institutes, as well as the colleges of education. 

Government should try and build moral courage to replicate what they have been seeing in the education of various countries they have travelled and visited, even Ghana, so that we will not be boast of only the number, but quality of facilities and equipment, motivated personnel and the likes.

The Journey So Far

However, from a total of five (5) first generation universities after independence, an astronomical increment has occurred in the university establishment, not only by the federal government which was the case till 1979, but state involvement which has been very impressive. The democratic era at the eve of the 21st Century in 1999 till date was characterised with licensing and approval of private university establishment. It is to be noted that some of these private universities are not doing well, struggling to survive; but more are still being established. As earlier indicated, there are 65 Federal Universities, 63 by the state governments and a total of 147 private universities: summing up to 275 Universities, providing various academic programmes in Nigeria. That university system can aid the development of any society is not a fallacy, but how correct and to what extent has this assertion proved Nigeria to be getting things right?

References 

Abdulrahman, Y. M. & Gabriel, A. O. I. (2023). Trends in the development of university education in Nigeria: Colonial and post-colonial perspectives. KIU Journal of Humanities Kampala International University ISSN: 2415-0843;8(4): 69-90, December, 2023. https://www.kampalajournals.ac.ug/ojs/index.php/kiuhums/article/view/1732/1989

Abdulrahman, Y. M. (2017). Historical-chronological emergence of universities in Nigeria: The perspectives in ‘colomilicivilian’ periodization. Historical Research Letter. Vol. 41, 30-53. www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/HRL/index  ISSN (Paper) 2224-3178 (Online) ISSN: 2225-0964

Abdulrahman, Yusuf. M. (2012) Historical development of higher education in Nigeria. www.yusufmaigida.com.ng  

Fajana (1978). Education in Nigeria 1842-1939: An historical analysis. Ikeja: Longman Publisher. 

Federal Republic of Nigeria (1974). Third national development plan, 1975-1980. Lagos: The Central Planning Office, Federal Ministry of Economic Development. 

Furley, O. W. and Watson, T. (1978). A History of Education in East Africa. USA & Nigeria: NOK Publishers International Ltd. 

Gabriel, A. O. I. & Abdulrahman, Y. M. (2023). Historicizing the development of private universities in Nigeria, 1980s – 2020s. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (EJTAS). 1(6), 1-16 www.ejtas.com DOI: 10.59324/ejtas.2023.1(6).xx     

Kosemani, J. M. and Okorosaye-Orubite, A. K. (1995). History of Nigerian education: A contemporary analysis. Port Harcourt: University of Port Harcourt Press Ltd. 

NOUN (2011). History of Education in Nigeria. EDU 604 Course Manual. National Open University of Nigeria. Abuja. 

NUC (2013) List of approved Universities in Nigeria. Monday Bulletin. Abuja: National Universities Commission. Vol. 8, No. 8, March. 

NUC (2026) List of approved Universities in Nigeria. Monday Bulletin. Abuja: National Universities Commission. Vol. 12, No. 12, January. 

Ogbondah, L. (2012) The Development of private universities in Nigeria: Implications for Access and Quality, 1999– 2010 

Okorosaye-Orubite, A. K. (n.d) Colonial policies and modern education development in Africa. Unpublished Post-Graduate Course Manual. University of Port Harcourt 

Osokoya, I. O. (1989). History and policy of education in world perspective. Ibadan: AMD Publishers. Wikipedia (2013) University of Benin, Nigeria. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc

APPENDIX

Muslim-Owned Universities in Nigeria

S/N	University Name	Location	Founded	Proprietor
1.	Al-Hikmah University	Ilorin, KW	2005	Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji Igbaja
2.	Al-Qalam University	Katsina, KT	2005	Katsina Islamic Foundation (KIF)/ Muslim Community/Organisation, Katsina
3.	Crescent University	Abeokuta, OG	2005	Alhaji (Prince)Abdul-Jabar Bola Ajibola
4.	Fountain Unversity	Osogbo, OS	2007	Nasrul-Lahi Fathi (NASFAT)
5.	Nile University (Formerly, Nigerian Turkish Nile University)	Abuja, FCT	2009	Formerly owned by First Surat Group – 10 African countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritius, Nigeria etc (Honoris United Universities)
6.	Oduduwa University	Ile-Ife, OS	2009	Chief Abdulrahman Adedoyin
7.	Baze University	Abuja, FCT	2011	Sen. Yusuf  Datti Baba Ahmed
8.	Summit University	Offa, KW	2015	Ansar-Ud-Deen Society
9.	Koladaisi University	Ibadan, OY	2016	Chief Kola Daisi
10.	Al-Istqama University	Kano, KN	2021	Hon. Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila
11.	Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria	Kano, KN	2021	Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo
12.	Capital City University	Kano, KN	2021	Dr. Datin Rohaidah Shaari
13.	Ahman Pategi University	Pategi, KW	2021	Hon. Aliyu Bahago Ahman Pategi
14.	University of Offa	Offa, KW	2021	Muslim individuals (Directors/major shareholders)
15.	Edusoko University	Bida, NI	2021	Dr, Yahaya Abubakar (Etsu Nupe)
16.	Khadija University	Jigawa, JI	2021	Alhaji Musa Adamu Majia
17.	Al-Ansar University	Maiduguri, BO	2022	Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa
18.	Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University	Kano, KN	2022	Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu /Abdul-Samad Rabiu
19.	Baba-Ahmed University	Kano, KN	2022	Sen. Yusuf  Datti Baba Ahmed
20.	Newgate University	Minna, NI	2022	Mall. Hassan Nuhu
21.	Northwest University	Sokoto, SO	2022	Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako
22.	Rayhaan University,	Birni-Kebbi, KE	2023	Mallam Isiyaku Abdullahi
23.	Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University	Ilorin, KW	2023	Ansarul Islam Society (Immortalising Sheik Muhammad Kamalud-Deen Al-Adabiy)
24.	Azman University	Kano, KN	2023	Barr. Ado Muhammad Ma’aji
25.	Huda University	Gusau, ZA	2023	Muslim Ownership
26.	Elrazi University of Medical Sciences	Kano, KN	2023	Dr. Ahmed Osman Riziq
27.	Iconic Open University	Sokoto, SO	2023	Anas Sanusi Gusau
28.	Amaj University	Abuja, FCT	2023	Atahiru Bafarawa
29.	El-Amin University	Minna, NI	2023	Gen, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida
30.	Al-Muhibbah Open University	Abuja FCT	2023	Dr. Aisah Bala Muhammed
31.	Al-Bayan University	Ankpa, KO	2023	Dr. Sani Harun

List of Private Universities

Private Universities
S/N	Institution	Abbreviation	Location	Founded
1.	Babcock University	BABCOCK	Ilishan Ramo, OG	1999
2.	Igbinedion University	IGBINEDION	Okada, ED	1999
3.	Madonna University	MADONNA	Okija, AN	1999
4.	Bowen University	BOWEN	Iwo, OS	2001
5.	Benson Idahosa University	BIU	Benin-City, ED	2002
6.	Covenant University	COVENANT	Ota, OG	2002
7.	Pan Atlantic University	PANU	Lagos, LA	2002
8.	American University of Nigeria	AUN	Yola, AD	2003
9.	Al-Hikmah University	AL-HIKMAH	Ilorin, KW	2005
10.	Ajayi Crowther University	ACU	Oyo, OY	2005
11.	Bingham University	BINGHAM	Karu NS	2005
12.	Bells University of Technology	BELLS	Ota, OG	2005
13.	Caritas University	CARITAS	Amorji-Nke, EN	2005
14.	Crawford University	CRAWFORD	Igbesa, OG	2005
15.	Crescent University	CRESCENT	Abeokuta, OG	2005
16.	Al-Qalam University	AL-QALAM	Katsina, KT	2005
17.	Novena University	NOVENA	Ogume, DT	2005
18.	Redeemer’s University	REDEEMERS	Mowe, OG	2005
19.	Renaissance University	RENAISSANCE	Eungu, EN	2005
20.	Kwararafa University (Formerly, Wukari Jubilee)	WUKARI	Wukari,TR	2005
21.	Lead-City University	LCU	Ibadan	2005
22.	University of Mkar	MKAR	Mkar	2005
23.	Joseph Ayo Babalola University	JABU	Ikeji-Arakeji, O	2006
24.	Caleb University	CU	Lagos	2007
25.	Fountain University	FUO	Oshogbo	2007
26.	Obon University	OBONG	Obong Ntak	2007
27.	Salem University	SALEM	Lokoja	2007
28.	Tansian University	TANSIAN	Umunya	2007
29.	Veritas University	VUA	Abuja	2007
30.	Wesley University of Sci. & Tech	WU	Ondo, OD	2007
31.	Achievers University	ACHIEVERS	Owo, OD	2007
32.	Western Delta University	WEDU	Oghara, DT	2007
33.	African University of Sci. & Tech	AUST	Abuja, FCT	2007
34.	Afe Babalola University	ABUAD	Ado-Ekiti	2009
35.	Godfrey Okoye University	GOU	Ugwumu-Nike EN	2009
36.	Nile University	NILE	Abuja, FCT	2009
37.	Oduduwa University	OUI	Ipetu-Modu OS	2009
38.	Paul University	PAU	Awka, AN	2009
39.	Rhema University	RHEMA	Aba, AB	2009
40.	Wellspring University	WU	Evbuobanosa ED	2009
41.	Adeleke University	AU	Ede OS	2011
42.	Baze University	BAZE	Abuja, FCT	2011
43.	Landmark University	LMU	Omu-Aran KW	2011
44.	Samuel Adegboyega University	SAU	Ogwu ED	2011
45.	Elizade University	EU	Ilaramokin OD	2012
46.	Evangel University	EUA	Akaeze EB	2012
47.	Gregory University	GU	Uturu   AB	2012
48.	McPherson University	McU	Ajebo OG	2012
49.	Southwestern University	SWU	Okunwa OG	2012
50.	Augustine University	AUI	Ilara, LG	2015
51.	Christland University	CUO	Owode, OG	2015
52.	Christopher University	CUM	Mowe, OG	2015
53.	Hallmark University	HUII	Ijebu-Itede, OG	2015
54.	Kings University	KUOD	Ode-Omu, OS	2015
55.	Michael & Cecilia Ibru University	MCIU	Owgrode, DT	2015
56.	Mountain Top University	MTU	Ogun State	2015
57.	Ritman University	RITMAN	Ikot-Ekpene, AK	2015
58.	Summit University	SUMMIT	Offa, KW	2015
59.	Edwin Clark University	ECU	Kiagbodo, Delta State	2015
60.	Hezekiah University	HU	Umudi, Imo State	2015
61.	Anchor University	AU	Ayobo, Lagos State	2016
62.	Arthur Jarvis University	AJU	Akpabuyo, Cross River State	2016
63.	Clifford University	CU	Owerrinta, Abia State	2016
64.	Coal City University	CCU	Enugu, Enugu State	2016
65.	Ojaja University	OU	Eiyenkorin, Kwara State	2016
66.	Dominican University	DU	Ibadan, Oyo State	2016
67.	Koladaisi University	KDU	Ibadan, Oyo State	2016
68.	Legacy University	LUO	Okija, Anambra State	2016
69.	Admiralty University of Nigeria	ADUN	Ibusa, Delta State	2017
70.	Spiritan University	SU	Nneochi, Abia State	2017
71.	Precious Cornerstone University	PCU	Ibadan, Oyo State	2017
72.	PAMO University of Medical Sciences	PUMS	Port Harcourt, River State	2017
73.	Atiba University	AU	Oyo, Oyo State	2017
74.	Eko University of Medical Sciences	EKUMS	Ijanikin, Lagos State	2017
75.	Skyline University Nigeria	SUN	Kano State	2018
76.	Greenfield University	GFU	Kasarami, Kaduna State	2019
77.	Dominion University	DU	Ibadan Oyo State	2019
78.	Trinity University	TULO	Laloko Ogun	2019
79.	Westland University,	SWU	Iwo Osun State	2019
80.	Topfaith University	TUM	Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State	2021
81.	Thomas Adewumi University	TAU	Oko Irese, Kwara State	2021
82.	Maranatha University	MUM	Mgbidi, Imo State	2021
83.	Ave-Maria University	AMUP	Piyanko, Nasarawa State	2021
84.	Al-Istqama University	AIUS	Sumaila, Kano State	2021
85.	Mudiame University	MUI	Irrua, Edo State	2021
86.	Havilla University	HUN	Nde-Ikom, Cross River State	2021
87.	Claretian University	CUN	Nekede, Imo State	2021
88.	Karl Kumm University	KKU	Vom, Plateau State	2021
89.	Nok University	NUK	Kachia, Kaduna State.	2021
90.	James Hope University	JHU	Lekki, Lagos State	2021
91.	Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria	MAAUN	Kano, Kano State	2021
92.	Capital City University	CCUK	Kano, Kano State	2021
93.	Ahman Pategi University	APU	Patigi, Kwara State	2021
94.	University of Offa	UNIOFFA	Offa, Kwara State	2021
95.	Mewar International University Nigeria,	MIUN	Masaka, Nasarawa State	2021
96.	Edusoko University	EUB	Bida, Niger State	2021
97.	Philomath University	PUK	Kuje, Abuja	2021
98.	Khadija University	KUM	Majia, Jigawa State	2021
99.	Anan University	AUK	Kwall, Plateau State	2021
100.	Pen Resource University	PRU	Gombe, Gombe State	2022
101.	Al-Ansar University	AAUM	Maiduguri, Borno State	2022
102.	Margaret Lawrence University	MLU	Galilee, Delta State	2022
103.	Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University	KHAIRUN	Gadon Kaya City Gate Kano, Kano State	2022
104.	Sports University	SUI	Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State	2022
105.	Baba-Ahmed University	BAUK	Kano, Kano State	2022
106.	Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology	SUMST	Sokoto, Sokoto State	2022
107.	Nigerian British University	NBU	Asa, Abia State	2022
108.	Peter University	PUA	Achina-Onneh, Anambra State	2022
109.	Newgate University	NUM	Minna, Niger State	2022
110.	European University of Nigerian	EUN	Duboyi, Abuja, FCT	2022
111.	Northwest University	NUS	Sokoto, Sokoto State	2022
112.	Rayhaan University,	RUB	Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State	2023
113.	Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University	MUKUI	Ilorin, Kwara State	2023
114.	Sam Maris University	SMUS	Supare, Ondo State	2023
115.	Aletheia University	ALTUA	Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State	2023
116.	Lux Mundi University	LUMU	Umuahia, Abia State	2023
117.	Maduka University	MUEN	Ekwegbe-Nsukka, Enugu State	2023
118.	Peaceland University	PUE	Enugu, Enugu State	2023
119.	Amadeus University,	AMUA	Amizi, Abia State	2023
120.	Vision University,	VUI	Ikogbo, Ogun State	2023
121.	Azman University	AZUK	Kano, Kano State	2023
122.	Huda University	HUUG	Gusau, Zamfara State	2023
123.	Franco British International University	FRABIU	Kaduna, Kaduna State	2023
124.	Canadian University of Nigeria	CUNA	Abuja, FCT	2023
125.	Miva Open University	MOUA	Abuja, FCT	2023
126.	Gerar University of Medical Sciences	GUMSI	Imope-Ijebu, Ogun State	2023
127.	British Canadian University	BCUO	Obudu, Cross River State	2023
128.	Hensard University	HUTO	Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State	2023
129.	Phoenix University	PHUA	Agwada, Nasarawa State	2023
130.	Wigwe University	WIUI	Isiokpo, Rivers State	2023
131.	Hillside University of Science and Technology	HUSAT	Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti State	2023
132.	University on the Niger,	UOTN	Umunya, Anambra State	2023
133.	Elrazi University of Medical Sciences	EUMS	Kano, Kano State	2023
134.	Venite University	VENUI	Iloro – Ekiti, Ekiti State	2023
135.	Shanahan University	SHAU	Onitsha, Anambra State	2023
136.	The Duke Medical University	TDMU	Calabar, Cross River State	2023
137.	Mercy Medical University	MMUI	Iwara, Iwo, Osun State	2023
138.	Cosmopolitan University	COSUA	Abuja, FCT	2023
139.	Iconic Open University	IOUS	Sokoto, Sokoto State	2023
140.	West Midland Open University	WMOU	Ibadan, Oyo State	2023
141.	Amaj University	AMAJUA	Abuja, FCT	2023
142.	Prime University	PRUA	Abuja, FCT	2023
143.	El-Amin University	EAU	Niger State	2023
144.	College of Petroleum and Energy Studies	CEPES	Kaduna, Kaduna State	2023
145.	Jewel University	JUG	Gombe, Gombe State	2023
146	Nigerian University of Technology and Management	NUTAM	Apapa, Lagos State.	2023
147	Al-Muhibbah Open University	AMOU	Abuja, FCT	2023
148	Al-Bayan University	AUA	Ankpa, Kogi State	2023

* Note: Few of the abbreviations used here are author’s coinage. Many of the universities have not adopted official abbreviations 

:  

Other Degree Awarding Institutions in Nigeria (Institutes, Colleges of Education and Polytechnics

S/N	Institution	Abbreviation	Location
1.	College of Education	AKWANGA	Nasarawa
2.	Niger State College of Education	COEM	Niger
3.	Dominican Institute	DOMINICAN	Oyo
4.	Federal College of Education	EDZAR	Zaria
5.	College of Education	IKERE	Ekiti
6.	Osun State College of Education	ILESA	Osun
7.	Kaduna Polytechinc	KADPOLY	Kaduna
8.	National Institute For Nigeria Lang.	NINLAN	Abia
9.	Nwafor Orizu College of Education	NOCOEN	Anambra
10	Osun State College of Education	OSSCE	Osun
11.	St-Paul College Awka	ST-PAULS	Anambra
12.	St.Agustine’s College of Education	TIME	Lagos
13.	Yaba College of Technology	YABATECH	Lagos

Self-Adapted & Sourced from Abdulrahman, 2013; NUC Monday Bulletin, 2014 and Freeweb.com (2014).