"The NUC has expanded the higher education space by granting provisional licences to two additional private universities for the 2026/2027 session."
Private University Expansion: NUC Grants Two New Provisional Licences
> ✅ VERIFIED REPORT: Cross-referenced as of September 8, 2026.
Published: September 8, 2026 | Source: CampusAI News
📌 Overview
In an effort to bridge the gap in tertiary education access, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally issued provisional licences to two new private universities. These institutions are authorized to begin operations immediately for the 2026/2027 academic session. This continues the trend of private sector involvement in curbing the student-to-capacity deficit.
The licences were presented on Friday, July 31, 2026, following approval by the Federal Executive Council. The NUC has outlined strict compliance parameters regarding resource verification, staff-to-student ratios, and infrastructural readiness.
> 🔴 URGENT: The NUC admission portal closes on November 30, 2026. All newly licensed universities must undergo mandatory resource verification before they can admit students.
📊 Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| :--- | :--- |
| What | Provisional licences for new private universities |
| Licensing Authority | National Universities Commission (NUC) |
| Licensing Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Licence Status | Provisional (valid for three-year probationary period) |
| NUC Admission Portal Close | November 30, 2026 |
| Admission Channel | All admissions must be conducted strictly through JAMB |
🏫 Newly Licensed Private Universities
The NUC presented provisional licences to two newly approved private universities following approval by the Federal Executive Council:
1. Sani Bello University, Kontagora, Niger State
| Detail | Information |
| :--- | :--- |
| Location | Kontagora, Niger State |
| Licensing Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Mentor Institution | Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) |
| Licence Validity | 3 years (provisional) |
Key Programmes:
- Computing: Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science
- Management Sciences: Finance, Business Administration, Economics
2. Omega University, Kaduna, Kaduna State
| Detail | Information |
| :--- | :--- |
| Location | Kaduna, Kaduna State |
| Licensing Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Mentor Institution | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria |
| Licence Validity | 3 years (provisional) |
Key Details:
- Faith-based institution
- Cleared to begin operations with 10 undergraduate academic programmes
- Expected to admit pioneer students for the 2026/2027 academic session
Also Licensed: Abdulfatai Durojaiye University, Abeokuta
| Detail | Information |
| :--- | :--- |
| Location | Abeokuta, Ogun State |
| Licensing Date | July 30, 2026 |
| Mentor Institution | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) |
| Licence Validity | 5 years (mentoring period) |
Key Details:
- Commencing operations with 3 faculties and 13 academic programmes
- Must undergo resource verification before take-off
🔴 Important Requirements
1. Provisional Licence Validity
> 🔴 The licences are provisional and subject to a three-year probationary period. After this period, the Federal Government, through the NUC, will conduct a special monitoring exercise to assess:
> - Governance structures
> - Quality and adequacy of academic staff
> - Student enrolment
> - Library resources
> - Physical facilities
> - Learning environment
2. Mandatory Resource Verification
> 📌 All new universities must undergo mandatory resource verification by the NUC before commencing approved programmes. The exercise will determine the readiness and adequacy of their human and material resources.
3. JAMB Admission Guidelines
> 📌 Admission into all private universities must be conducted strictly through JAMB.
4. NUC Admission Portal Deadline
> 🔴 The NUC admission portal will close on 30 November 2026. Institutions intending to admit students for the 2026/2027 academic session must apply promptly for resource verification.
5. Mentoring Arrangement
> ✅ New universities are assigned mentor institutions (established federal universities) to provide guidance and institutional support.
The mentoring relationship covers:
- Moderation of examination results
- Quality assurance
- Academic matters
- Staff recruitment (transparency and merit-based processes)
📝 Prospective Student Guidance
Students looking to apply to these new institutions should:
1. Verify accreditation status via the NUC's official directory
2. Review the tuition structure and specific departmental entry requirements
3. Complete JAMB change of institution request if necessary
4. Apply through official JAMB channels only
While private universities offer a more stable academic calendar compared to their public counterparts, applicants are urged to review the tuition structure and specific departmental entry requirements before completing their JAMB change of institution request.
> ⚠️ Warning: Do not patronize third-party agents or unofficial websites demanding cash payments outside official university payment gateways.
📌 Quick Action Checklist
- [ ] Visit the official NUC website to confirm university accreditation status
- [ ] Access the specific university's admission portal via verified links
- [ ] Complete the online application form and upload required credentials
- [ ] Ensure O'Level results are properly uploaded on JAMB CAPS
- [ ] Pay application fees only through official university payment channels
- [ ] Submit your application before the November 30, 2026 deadline
- [ ] Monitor your admission status regularly through JAMB CAPS
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many new private universities were licensed?
A: Two new private universities received provisional licences on July 31, 2026: Sani Bello University and Omega University.
Q: What is a provisional licence?
A: It is a temporary licence valid for three years. After this period, the NUC conducts a monitoring exercise to determine if the university qualifies for a full operational licence.
Q: What are the new universities' mentor institutions?
A: Sani Bello University is mentored by FUTMINNA, and Omega University is mentored by ABU Zaria.
Q: Can I gain admission into these new private universities through JAMB?
A: Yes. Admission into all private universities must be conducted strictly through JAMB.
Q: When does the NUC admission portal close?
A: The portal closes on November 30, 2026.
Q: What is resource verification?
A: It is a mandatory NUC exercise to assess the university's readiness in terms of human and material resources before it can commence academic programmes.
📚 Related Articles
🛠️ Useful Tools
| Tool | Description | Link |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| ✅ NUC Official Portal | Check university accreditation status | Visit → |
| ✅ JAMB e-Facility | Check admission status and O'Level upload | Visit → |
| ✅ Admission Chance Predictor | Calculate your admission chances | Visit → |
| ✅ Aggregate Calculator | Calculate your Post-UTME aggregate | Visit → |
🔗 Follow CampusAI for Daily Updates
> 📌 Editor's Note: This article is compiled from verified official sources including the National Universities Commission (NUC) announcements and official institutional portals. The NUC has presented provisional licences to two new private universities — Sani Bello University and Omega University — for the 2026/2027 academic session following approval by the Federal Executive Council. The NUC admission portal closes on November 30, 2026. Candidates are advised to verify university accreditation status on the official NUC website and use only official institutional portals for applications. CampusAI.ng is not affiliated with NUC or any university — we provide verified information to help students navigate their admission journey. Always verify critical updates on official platforms.
