Nigeria, Feb. 12 -- The Nigerian government has temporarily suspended applications for the establishment of private universities for the next one year, citing the need for a comprehensive review of regulatory guidelines.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), which regulates university education, in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, on Monday.

The commission stated that the suspension takes effect from 10 February and lasts for the next one year. The statement, however, noted that the suspension only affects new submissions, inactive applications and proposals that have not advanced beyond the letter of intent stage.

It added that active pending applications will be reviewed...