UAT
NUC Approves New Postgraduate Programmes For University Of Africa, Toru-Orua

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted official approval to the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), Bayelsa State, to commence several new postgraduate programmes.

The approval followed a successful resource verification exercise conducted by a panel of experts from the Commission, who assessed the University’s human and material resources. In a letter dated 30 January 2026, and signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, the NUC authorised the programmes to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

Approved Postgraduate Programmes

The approval covers full-time Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in the following disciplines:

  • Accounting (PGD, M.Sc., PhD)

  • Biology (PGD, M.Sc., PhD)

  • Business Administration (PGD, M.Sc., MBA, PhD)

  • Biochemistry (PGD, M.Sc., PhD)

  • Educational Management (PGD, M.Ed., PhD)

  • Mass Communication (PGD, M.Sc., PhD)

  • Computer Science (PGD, M.Sc., PhD)

  • Political Science (PGD, M.Sc., PhD)

  • Theatre and Film Studies (PGD, M.A., PhD)

EducationNGR also learnt that the programmes are approved strictly under the full-time study mode.

NUC Guidelines For Implementation

The Commission stated clearly that the approval applies only to full-time programmes. The University is required to formally notify the NUC and obtain separate approval before introducing any part-time versions of the programmes.

In addition, the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, is expected to:

  • Maintain the approved programme titles and nomenclature

  • Provide and sustain adequate human and material resources

  • Seek further approval before making any changes to programme titles or curricula

What This Means For The University

This approval represents a major academic expansion for the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, strengthening its capacity for postgraduate training, advanced research, and manpower development within Bayelsa State and the wider region.

Prospective postgraduate applicants are advised to monitor official University channels for admission announcements and application guidelines.

Federal Governemnt of Nigeria FG
NUC Approves New University of Innovation in Imo State

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval to the Imo State Government to commence operations at the newly established University of Innovation, Science and Technology in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area.

The approval, presented by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, marks a major milestone in expanding access to higher education and empowering young people through knowledge and skill-based learning.

 

 

NUC Issues Operational Licence to Imo State

During the presentation ceremony in Abuja, Professor Ribadu officially handed over the university’s operational licence and certificate of recognition to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

With this approval, the new university becomes the 70th state university and the 301st university in Nigeria. It also adds to Imo State’s growing list of higher institutions, bringing the total to eight universities—four state-owned, two federal, and two private.

Purpose and Vision Behind the New University

Professor Ribadu described the establishment as a strategic step toward promoting education, building the workforce, and supporting research and digital development across the state. He urged government officials, administrators, and students to work together to maintain academic integrity, quality research, and good governance.

The NUC will conduct a resource verification visit soon to assess human resources, infrastructure, and the governance framework. According to Ribadu, this process ensures that the university meets national standards before commencing full academic operations.

He said, “Our shared goal is to make this new university a true centre of learning and character development. The NUC will continue to offer guidance and oversight to help it reach its full potential.”

The Commission has already informed JAMBTETFundNELFUND, and the NYSC to integrate the university into their national programmes and support frameworks.

Governor Uzodimma’s Remarks on the New University

Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that the creation of the new university reflects the state’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young men and women seeking quality education.

He explained that the institution is designed to promote digital literacy, science, and technology, with a focus on developing students who can contribute to the economy through entrepreneurship and innovation.

The governor revealed that the university has entered a mentorship partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, through the Imo Digital City initiative. This collaboration aims to equip students with practical digital skills to create startups and jobs.

Uzodimma said, “This university is a response to the dreams of our young people who want access to good education. It will help them acquire knowledge and digital skills that prepare them for life beyond school.”

He acknowledged funding challenges but stressed the importance of prioritising education to engage the youth productively and reduce social vices.

Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB
FUNAAB Management Programmes Gets NUC Nod

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the return of Management Degree Programmes at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The decision followed a successful Resource Assessment Visit to the proposed courses.

In a statement released by Mr Olasunkanmi Olajide, Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, the approved courses include B.Sc. AccountingB.Sc. Banking and FinanceB.Sc. Business Administration, and B.Sc. Economics, along with a new postgraduate course, M.Sc. Agroecology.

 

This approval marks a key step in the university’s academic development. The programmes are returning after being withdrawn in the 2017/2018 academic session, following a Federal Government directive that stopped management-related studies in agricultural universities.

In 2021, FUNAAB’s Senate renamed the College of Management Sciences (COLMAS) to the College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies (COLENDS) to reflect its broader mission of promoting entrepreneurship and development-focused education.

With the NUC’s approval, the university is set to resume admissions into these management courses under COLENDS for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

This move strengthens FUNAAB’s commitment to offering students a wider range of academic choices while supporting Nigeria’s drive for skill-based and development-oriented education.