The National University Commission (NUC) is the statutory body
regulating the procedure to open a private university in Nigeria.
The NUC is empowered by the provisions of National Universities
Commission Act 1974 and Education (National Minimum Standards and
Establishment of Institutions) Act of 1993 (as amended). The
Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) provides for different
type of incorporations in Nigeria. While every institutions of
higher learning must be registered in accordance with the
provisions of CAMA, for any private university to commence
operation, it must be licensed by the Federal Government through
the NUC and the Federal Executive Council.
Any person who intends to start a private institution in Nigeria
must see to complying with the laid-down requirements for obtaining
the necessary license to operate.
