The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State, before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) introduced its seven-year moratorium on creating new federal tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Tunji Alausa (FAMedS), CON, explained that the President’s approval was granted through a Presidential Executive Memo prior to the FEC’s resolution.
Dr. Alausa further stated that alongside the Epe institution, the President also approved the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kachia (Kaduna State), and the Federal University of Environment and Technology, located in Tai and Koroma, Ogoni Land, Rivers State.
He clarified that the announcement of the Epe University came later due to a delay in the legislative process. The National Assembly had gone on its annual recess before passing the establishment bill, which was only completed and transmitted to the President after the lawmakers resumed.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the seven-year moratorium, emphasizing that it remains binding and will be strictly enforced despite the clarifications.
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