FEC approves 37 new universities. Nigeria now has 72 private universities

By Bukola Hameed

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of 37 new universities across the country. Nigeria now has 72 private universities.

Briefing journalists after the special meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu, said with this approval, there are now 72 private universities in the country.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said the approval followed a memo presented to FEC by the ministry.

He said the approval became imperative based on the importance of Education to the economic development of the country.

FEC also approved the Universal Implementation of the Employee Compensation Act (ECA) 2010.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige said the law was operated by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), noting that it was a replacement of the old Employee Compensation Act that was known as “Workmen Compensation.”

According to him, the Council has approved it for universal implementation, “meaning that apart from the private sector, that is already implementing, the public sector, which is government – federal, state and local governments – have now to adopt this for the protection of their workers”.

On the warning strike threatened by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Chris Ngige said it was unnecessary since the government was already engaged with the Nigerian Medical Association, their umbrella body.