The National Universities Commission (NUC) has reaffirmed its stance on the one-year moratorium on establishing new universities in Nigeria. Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC, emphasized that this policy, which began on February 10, 2025, aims to review guidelines for establishing universities and address challenges in modern education.

Ribadu made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Association of Brotherhood Academic Students (ABAS), who discussed plans by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) to establish Triplestar University in Cross River State. The NUC boss clarified that the moratorium specifically applies to private universities and is distinct from the recently announced seven-year suspension on new federal tertiary institutions, which aims to consolidate existing schools and improve infrastructure.

The moratorium’s primary objective is to enable a comprehensive review of the guidelines for establishing universities, ensuring they align with the demands of the 21st-century educational landscape. Ribadu assured the ABAS delegation that once the moratorium expires, the commission will expedite the registration process for Triplestar University if a formal application is submitted.

In addition to addressing the moratorium, Ribadu urged ABAS members to promote harmony among students of diverse backgrounds and avoid vices such as drug abuse and cultism. As Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), Ribadu emphasized the NUC’s openness to consultations and dialogue on educational matters.

Earlier, Archbishop Emmanuel Ekuri, leader of ABAS and BCS Deputy Spokesman, explained that ABAS, founded in 1971, serves as the scholarly arm of the religious organization. The proposed Triplestar University is part of BCS’s contribution to education and development. Ekuri expressed ABAS’s desire to collaborate with the NUC in areas such as policy guidance, curriculum development, funding opportunities, approvals, and accreditation to make the university project a reality.

The NUC’s stance on the moratorium highlights the commission’s commitment to ensuring that new universities meet the required standards and contribute positively to the country’s educational landscape. As the moratorium is set to expire, the commission’s willingness to engage with stakeholders and facilitate the establishment of new universities that meet the necessary criteria is a positive step towards advancing education in Nigeria.