Latest Headlines from Nigerian Newspapers on Thursday, 14th August, 2025
Federal Government Imposes Seven-Year Moratorium on New Tertiary Institutions
The Nigerian federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced a ban on the creation of new federal tertiary educational institutions for the next seven years. The intention is to focus on developing the quality of existing institutions [1].
The moratorium, which started in August 2025, aims to address issues such as inefficient duplication of institutions, poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and low enrollment at many existing federal tertiary schools [2]. Despite the ban on federal institutions, the government has approved nine new private universities, with substantial investments made in their infrastructure [3]. However, the moratorium also extends to new private polytechnics and colleges of education to manage under-enrollment [3].
President Tinubu has emphasized his administration's commitment to fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, stating that Nigerians have no reason to be poor [4]. The government plans to invest more resources in upgrading current federal institutions, including building laboratories, engineering centers, recruiting, and training lecturers to enhance productivity and education quality [2].
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated that the pressing issue in Nigeria's education sector is not about accessing federal tertiary institutions, but rather the problem of having too many institutions [5]. Some existing tertiary institutions have no students but have to pay their workforce [6].
In a related development, Peter Obi, a Nigerian politician, has criticized President Tinubu, urging him to focus on addressing domestic issues instead of traveling abroad [7]. Meanwhile, Daniel Bwala, President Tinubu's Special Adviser on Policy Communication, has expressed confidence that Tinubu will secure a second term in office by winning the 2027 presidential election [8].
Elsewhere, Media personality Toke Makinwa has announced that she is expecting her first child, describing the pregnancy as the most important and fulfilling chapter of her life [9]. In sports news, Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties to win the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, after initially losing 2-0 [10].
On a separate note, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding ₦3.5 billion in damages over an alleged armed raid on its premises [11]. M.I Abaga, a veteran Nigerian rapper, has raised concerns about the sources of funding in the Nigerian music industry, suggesting that a large share comes from foreign sources involved in internet fraud [12]. Marcus Rashford, a Manchester United loanee, has criticized the club's approach since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, accusing them of abandoning the principles that once made them dominant [13].
References:
- TheCable
- Premium Times
- Vanguard
- The Nation
- Sahara Reporters
- The Punch
- BusinessDay
- Nigerian Tribune
- Bella Naija
- Goal
- The Guardian
- TheCable
- Manchester Evening News
- The seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions in Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to improve the quality of existing institutions, addressing issues like inefficient duplication and poor infrastructure.
- The ban on federal tertiary institutions does not prevent the approval of nine new private universities, with investments made in their infrastructure.
- The moratorium also extends to new private polytechnics and colleges of education to manage under-enrollment.
- President Tinubu emphasizes his administration's commitment to fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
- The government plans to invest more resources in upgrading current federal institutions, including building laboratories, engineering centers, and training lecturers.
- The Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, argues that the pressing issue in Nigeria's education sector is not access to federal tertiary institutions, but rather the problem of having too many institutions.
- Some critics, like Peter Obi, urge President Tinubu to focus on domestic issues instead of traveling abroad.
- Daniel Bwala, President Tinubu's Special Adviser on Policy Communication, expresses confidence in Tinubu's ability to win the 2027 presidential election.
- Media personality Toke Makinwa announces her pregnancy as the most important and fulfilling chapter of her life.
- In sports news, Paris Saint-Germain beats Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties to win the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.
- The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, issues a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding ₦3.5 billion in damages over an alleged armed raid on its premises.
- Veteran Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga expresses concerns about the sources of funding in the Nigerian music industry, suggesting a large share comes from foreign sources involved in internet fraud.
- Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford criticizes the club's approach since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, accusing them of abandoning the principles that once made them dominant.
In the realm of education and self-development, learning continues and online resources (or online-education) become increasingly important, whether for Jamb, Waec, or general news. One can also engage with pop-culture, entertainment, and celebrity updates on social media, all while keeping up with policy-and-legislation, politics, and sports - including football and European leagues. It's an exciting time for Nigerians, with opportunities for growth and development, from Abuja to Lagos, despite ongoing challenges. By focusing on quality, investment, and collaboration, the country can continue to progress and thrive, as long as we support and learn from each other.
