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NUC Approves New Curricula For Varsities
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has concluded a review of the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) for University education in Nigeria.
NUC said the BMAS was revised to Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) with the programme experts and industry stakeholders.
The commission said that CCMAS provides 70per cent of what should be taught along with the expected outcomes, while the universities will make contributions based on their individual contextual peculiarities and characteristics.
Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, disclosed the information in Abuja, yesterday, during the presentation of provisional operational certificate to proprietors 12 newly licensed private universities.
The newly licensed private universities are Pen Resource University, Gombe, Gombe State; Al-Ansar University Maiduguri, Borno State; Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee, Delta State; Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano, Kano State; Sports University, Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State; Baba Ahmed University, Kano, Kano State.
Others are Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto, Sokoto State; Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State; Peter University, Achina/Onneh, Anambra State; Newgate University, Minna, Niger State; European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, Abuja, FCT; and Northwest University, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
The NUC boss, in his remarks, disclosed that the number of private universities in Nigeria has risen to 111 and 215 universities in Nigeria, stressing that the number is insignificant when compared to growing population and increasing quest for university education.
He confessed that private universities have brought certain uniqueness to the Nigerian university landscape, disclosing that Federal Ministry of Education, through NUC has embarked on the radical re-engineering of curricula in Nigerian universities to meet global standards and international best practices towards preparing Nigerian graduates for relevance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) world economy with the skills needed for the future.
He said the establishment of more private universities, under the strict supervision of the NUC, is also an important antidote to the proliferation of illegal universities or degree mills across the country, which has become a major source of worry and embarrassment to the nation, and a menace to quality university education delivery.
He, thus, enjoined the newly licensed universities to acquaint themselves with the code of governance for private universities in Nigeria which aims to enhance the successful running and sustainability of institutions.
Rasheed confirmed that the code of governance has been reviewed to give some latitude to the Proprietors on the issue of appointment of principal officers, while the document outlined the approved governance structure within a private university.
He added: “It also contains penalty for breach of the code, hence we continue to re-emphasise and stress that the venture of establishing private universities is not for profit but journey of passion.”
He, consequently, encouraged the proprietors to ensure that quality is not compromised for profit motives, as any operation outside the provisions of NUC guidelines will attract appropriate sanctions, and if found out during the probationary period, a withdrawal of the provisional license may apply.
“My advice to you therefore is, if or when in doubt, seek counsel from NUC. The appendix attached to the letter of approval of provisional licence lists the academic programmes with which you are to commence academic activities.
“You are expected to mount only those programmes at take-off and invite NUC for resource verification. Any deviation from those without the approval of NUC will attract sanctions which may include withdrawal of the provisional license.
“Mentoring institutions have been approved for the newly approved private universities with clear terms of reference to both the mentor and the mentee. NUC will moderate the mentoring relationship to ensure that the mentor-mentee relationship is as it should be,” he promised.
In his remarks, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, congratulated the new universities for successfully passing through the crucible of the 14 step process to earn the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to the strengthening of NUC’s quality assurance operations to ensure that, while they are improving access to university education by way of increased enrolment, quality and relevance to national needs are not compromised.
“I continue to follow with keen interest the activities of the NUC at sanitising the system, and the boldness with which the commission has approached its mandate of quality assurance, as the sole regulatory agency of university education in the country, by law.
“Being critical stakeholders in the education sector, we should be united in seeking ways of improving quality service delivery of university education in Nigeria, devise strategies for quality improvement and elimination of social vices, as well as maintaining industrial peace and harmony for sustainable growth,” he said
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.