Headline

FULL LIST: 107 Private Varsities To Be Investigated By FG’s Panel

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2024

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday, inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to look into the activities of private and foreign universities operating in the country.

The committee has, as some of its members, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; the Minister of Youths, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar among others.

One of the committee’s terms of reference stated that private universities established in the last 15 years be investigated.

“Without prejudice to the periodic accreditation exercise of the NUC, examine whether or not private universities established in the last 15 years have in the place prescribed facilities, appropriate management structure, adequate funding of programmes, requisite staff (nature of staff-full time, contract, adjunct, visiting, other types),” the term of reference read.

Already, Nigeria has a total of 147 private universities as listed on the website of the NUC.

Analysis of the dates of establishments revealed that 107 private universities were established in the last 15 years.

In this piece, PUNCH online highlights the private universities established in the last 15 years that may fall under the searchlight of the FG’s investigative panel.

They are;

1. Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

2. Baze University, FCT Abuja

3. Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State

4. Glorious Vision University (formerly Samuel Adegboyega University), Ogwa, Edo State

5. McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo, Ogun State

6. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State

7. Southwestern University, Oku Owa, Ogun State

8. Evangel University, Ebonyi State

9. Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State

10. Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos State

11. Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State

12. Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State
13. Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State

14. Kings University Ode-Omu, Osun State

15. Michael & Cecilia Ibru University, Owhode, Delta State

16. Mountain Top University, Makogi/Oba, Ogun State

17. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwalbom State

18. Summit University, Offa, Kwara State

19. Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State

20. Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State

21. Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State

22. Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State

23. Clifford University, Abia State

24. Coal City University, Enugu state

25. Ojaja University, Ilorin, Kwara state

26. Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State
27. Kola Daisi University., Ibadan, Oyo State

28. Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State

29. Spiritan University, Neochi, Abia State

30. Precious Cornerstone, Ibadan, Oyo State

31. PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

32. Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo State

33. Eko University of Medical Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos

34. Skyline University, Nigeria, Kano, Kano State

35. Greenfield University, Kasarami-Kaduna, Kaduna State

36. Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo State

37. Trinity University, Laloko, Ogun State

38. Westland University, Iwo, Osun State

39. Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa-Ibom State

40. Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State

41. Maranatha University, Lekki, Lagos State

42. Ave-Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State

43.AL-Istigama University, Sumaila, Kano State

44. Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State

45. Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State

46. Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State

47. Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State

48. Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State

49. James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos state

50. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano, Kano State

51. Capital City University, Kano, Kano State

52. Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State

53. University of Offa, Offa, Kwara State

54. Mewar University, Masaka, Nasarawa State

55. Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State

56. Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja

57. Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State

58. ANAN University, Kwall, Plateau State

59. Pen Resource University, Gombe, Gombe State

60.Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno

61. Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee, Delta State

62. Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano, Kano State

63. Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State

64. Baba-Ahmed University, Kano, Kano State

65. Salsa University Of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto, Sokoto State

66. Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State

67. Peter University, Achina-Onneh, Anambra State

68. Newgate University, Minna, Niger State

69. European University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT

70. Northwest University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

71. Rayhaan University, Kebbi State

72. Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, Kwara State

73. Sam Maris University, Supare, Ondo State

74. Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State

75. Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State

76. Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State

77. Peaceland University, Enugu, Enugu State

78. Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State

79. Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State

80. Azman University, Kano, Kano State

81. Huda University, Gusau, Zamfara State

82. Franco British International University, Kaduna, Kaduna State

83. Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT

84. Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT

85. Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-ljebu, Ogun State

86. British Canadian University, Obudu, Cross River State

87. Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State

88.Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State

89. Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State

90. Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti State

91. University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State

92. Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano Kano State

93. Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State

94 Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State

95. Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River State

96. Mercy Medical University, Iwara, Iwo, Osun State

97.Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, FCT

98. Iconic Open University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

99. West Midland Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State

100. Amaj University, Abuja, FCT

101. Prime University, Abuja, FCT

102. El-Amin University, Niger State

103. College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, Kaduna State

104. Jewel University, Gombe, Gombe State

105. Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State

106. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, FCT

107. Al-Bayan University, Kogi state

Headline

Four Places In The World Without Traffic Lights

Published

2 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

In a world where traffic lights are an essential part of road management, a few countries and regions stand out for functioning without them. These places rely on alternative systems ranging from police officers and roundabouts to cultural driving habits to manage traffic. Here’s a closer look at the nations and areas where traffic lights are absent.

Bhutan

Bhutan is famously known as the only country in the world that operates entirely without traffic lights. Even in its capital city, Thimphu, which has witnessed growing traffic due to urbanisation, automated signals have never been adopted. Instead, traffic management is handled by police officers who stand at major intersections, directing vehicles with hand signals.

In 1995, when a set of traffic lights was briefly installed in Thimphu, public complaints led to their swift removal, as locals felt the system clashed with the country’s traditions and culture of cooperation. Bhutan’s reliance on human-directed traffic reflects both its small population and strong sense of civic responsibility.

Vatican City

Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign nation, also operates without any traffic lights. With an area of just 44 hectares and a population of around 800 people, the city-state does not require traffic signals to regulate movement. Roads inside the Vatican are short and few, and traffic is mostly managed by signage and the Vatican’s own police force. However, just outside the Vatican’s walls, in Rome, traffic lights are abundant, highlighting the contrast between the bustling Italian capital and the tranquil governance of the Holy See.

Niue

In the South Pacific, Niue, one of the world’s smallest island nations, also has no traffic lights. With a population of less than 2,000 people and very limited vehicle traffic, there is little need for automated signals. Roads are quiet, and driving is relaxed, with motorists often waving to one another as they pass.

The absence of traffic lights in Niue is less a necessity than a reflection of the island’s lifestyle, where community trust and minimal congestion make formal traffic control unnecessary.

Tekesi County, China

A unique example of urban planning without traffic lights can be found in Tekesi County, Xinjiang, China. The county town was designed based on the ancient Bagua (Eight Trigrams) symbol from Taoist philosophy. Its distinctive circular and radiating street layout relies on roundabouts to direct vehicles.

In 1996, authorities cancelled the installation of traffic lights in order to preserve the Bagua system, making Tekesi a rare modern settlement that manages traffic without signals. The design has since become both a cultural attraction and a point of pride for residents, who see it as a symbol of harmony and balance.

Headline

Nigerian Student Wins ‘Top In World’ Cambridge IGCSE English Award

Published

2 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

A Nigerian student, Kenechukwu Oluwanifemi Uba, has emerged the “Top in World” candidate in the November 2024 Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement).

Uba, a pupil of Caleb International College, Magodo, Lagos, received the Outstanding Cambridge Learners Award for her performance, which was recognised by Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the Proprietor and Founder, Caleb Group of Schools and University, Prof. Elvis Otobo, and made available to The PUNCH on Friday.

The certificate, signed by the Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, Rod Smith, was presented during a ceremony organised by the British Council and Cambridge University Press & Assessment at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

Speaking on the achievement, the Proprietor/CEO of Caleb Group of Schools and University, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, said the recognition reflected the school’s values of integrity, perseverance and innovation.

“We are overjoyed by Kenechukwu’s outstanding performance.

“Her success embodies our core values of integrity, perseverance, and innovation. We invest heavily in cutting-edge teaching methods—from flipped classrooms to AI-driven language labs—so that every student can discover their potential and lead with confidence,” Adebogun said.

Uba expressed gratitude to her teachers, classmates and family, noting that preparing in the school’s language lab helped build her confidence.

“From the moment I joined Caleb, I felt inspired by teachers who challenged me to think deeply and by peers who encouraged me to persevere. Preparing for the speaking endorsement in our state-of-the-art lab sharpened my confidence. This recognition belongs to everyone—my mentors, my classmates, and my family,” she said.

Caleb International College described the award as proof of its commitment to raising globally competitive students through advanced learning facilities and strong character development programmes.

Headline

Iran Has Executed At Least 841 People This Year — UN

Published

3 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

At least 841 people have been executed in Iran since the start of the year, the UN said Friday, decrying “a systematic pattern of using the death penalty as a tool of state intimidation”.

The United Nations’ human rights office said there had been a “major increase in executions” by Tehran during the first half of 2025.

“Iranian authorities have executed at least 841 people since the beginning of the year,” spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

“The real situation might be different,” she added. “It might be worse, given the lack of transparency.”

In July alone, she said, Iran had executed at least 110 individuals — twice the number of people executed in July 2024.

“The high number of executions indicates a systematic pattern of using the death penalty as a tool of state intimidation, with disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants,” Shamdasani added.

She cited the executions of Afghan nationals, and of Baluch, Kurdish, and Arab citizens.

In the first six months of the year, at least 289 people were executed for drug-related offences.

Shamdasani said the pattern witnessed across multiple countries showed that when their governments perceive threats to their grip on public order, they become increasingly repressive and less tolerant of dissent.

– Hangings before children –

The spokeswoman in particular criticised the staging of public executions in Iran. The rights office documented seven such cases since the beginning of the year — some reportedly in front of children.

“Public executions add an extra layer of outrage upon human dignity… not only on the dignity of the people concerned — the people who are executed — but also on all those who have to bear witness,” she said.

“The psychological trauma of bearing witness to somebody being hanged in public, particularly for children, is unacceptable.”

The UN human rights office said there were serious concerns over due process in capital punishment cases.

“What we are particularly worried about is that a lot of these death sentences are imposed based on vague laws,” the spokeswoman said, such as charges of enmity against God.

Shamdasani said that 11 individuals were currently facing “imminent execution” in Iran, including six charged with “armed rebellion” due to alleged membership of the exiled opposition People’s Mujahedeen Organization of Iran (MEK).

The other five had been sentenced to death over their participation in large-scale protests in 2022, she said. Iran’s supreme court last week confirmed the death sentence against workers’ rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, she added.

The UN rights office was urging Iran’s government “not to implement the death penalty against these and other individuals on death row”, Shamdasani said.

“The death penalty is incompatible with the right to life and irreconcilable with human dignity,” she added.

“It creates an unacceptable risk of executing innocent people. It should never be imposed for conduct that is protected under international human rights law.”

UN human rights chief Volker Turk is calling on Tehran to impose a moratorium on the application of capital punishment, as a step towards abolition.
AFP