Activist and media personality Omoyele Sowore has criticized church-owned universities in Nigeria, arguing that many of them are not accessible to ordinary citizens due to high tuition fees and limited admission opportunities.
Speaking in an interview featured on Naija News TV on April 7, 2026, Sowore acknowledged that religious organisations have contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s education sector by establishing universities. However, he argued that these institutions often operate in a way that excludes many prospective students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
He questioned whether faith-based institutions should place greater emphasis on inclusivity and social impact rather than exclusivity, especially in a country where access to affordable higher education remains a major challenge. According to him, many qualified students are unable to secure admission into tertiary institutions due to capacity constraints and financial barriers.
Sowore’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the state of higher education in Nigeria, where a mix of public, private, and faith-based universities exist but are still unable to accommodate the large number of applicants seeking admission each year.
While supporters of church-owned universities argue that they provide quality education and help supplement the shortcomings of public institutions, Sowore’s remarks have reignited debate about the need for reforms that would make higher education more affordable and widely accessible to Nigerian youths.
