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Telecommunication Science, other courses NUC approves for Nigerian universities

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 5:44 GMT by legit
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Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) Approves 13 New Courses Across the Nation

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the approval of thirteen new academic programmes that will be offered across a number of public and private universities in Nigeria. The decision, which was formally released on the NUC website on Thursday, reflects the Commission’s continued commitment to diversifying higher education offerings and aligning curricula with the country’s evolving socio‑economic landscape.

The Approved Courses

The newly approved courses span a range of disciplines, from technology and health sciences to business and the arts. The full list of programmes and the institutions that will host them is as follows:

These courses represent a mix of disciplines that the NUC deemed to be of strategic importance for Nigeria’s development. They cover high‑demand fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, biomedical sciences, and sustainable agriculture, reflecting the growing need for a workforce that can drive innovation, economic diversification, and social progress.

The Approval Process

The approval process for new courses in Nigerian universities is rigorous. Institutions must submit detailed proposals outlining curriculum structure, learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, laboratory and infrastructure requirements, and financial viability. The NUC evaluates these submissions against national accreditation standards and national educational priorities.

Once a proposal is submitted, the NUC conducts a site inspection, during which experts from various academic and industry sectors review the university’s facilities, assess the suitability of the proposed programme, and ensure that the institution has the capacity to deliver the course at the required quality level. Following the inspection, a formal decision is made by the Commission’s Academic Committee, which then publishes the list of approved programmes on its website and the university’s official website.

Implications for Nigerian Students

The introduction of these thirteen new courses expands the academic choices available to Nigerian students, especially in fields that are currently underserved. According to the NUC’s latest data, the demand for graduates in data science, cybersecurity, and biomedical engineering has grown significantly in the past five years. By offering programmes in these areas, universities can better meet the needs of the labour market and increase graduate employability.

The approval of the “Business Analytics” and “Digital Marketing” programmes at the University of Lagos is expected to attract students from across the country who are seeking to enter the rapidly growing fields of marketing analytics and e‑commerce. Meanwhile, the “Environmental Engineering” and “Marine Biology” programmes at the University of Port Harcourt will likely draw students interested in addressing the country’s environmental challenges, such as oil‑spill remediation and coastal ecosystem conservation.

Response from University Leaders

Several university leaders have expressed enthusiasm over the new approvals. Professor Oluyemi Balogun, Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Lagos, stated that the “Business Analytics” and “Digital Marketing” programmes will enhance the university’s reputation as a hub for cutting‑edge business education. Similarly, Professor John Okoro, Vice‑Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, highlighted the significance of the “Applied Statistics” and “Artificial Intelligence” courses, noting that they will prepare students for careers in data‑driven industries.

The announcement has also prompted several universities to accelerate their infrastructure development plans. For instance, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, which will host the new “Biomedical Engineering” programme, is currently upgrading its laboratories with state‑of‑the‑art equipment to meet the NUC’s stringent accreditation criteria.

Wider National Impact

The NUC’s decision aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda of promoting STEM education and technological innovation. By approving courses that focus on data analytics, cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, and renewable energy, the Commission is helping to build a workforce that can support Nigeria’s digital transformation and drive sustainable development.

In addition to enhancing the skill sets of individual graduates, these new programmes are expected to stimulate research and development in their respective fields. The University of Ilorin’s newly approved “Hospitality Management” and “Tourism Studies” courses, for example, are designed to address the tourism sector’s need for skilled professionals who can manage cultural heritage sites, hotels, and travel agencies more efficiently.

Future Outlook

The NUC plans to continue its efforts to diversify the academic landscape of Nigerian universities. According to the Commission’s roadmap, there will be a focus on adding more courses in emerging fields such as blockchain technology, artificial intelligence ethics, and climate‑change mitigation. The NUC also intends to support universities in establishing interdisciplinary programmes that combine technology with social sciences, fostering a new generation of scholars capable of addressing complex societal challenges.

The Commission’s latest approval of 13 new courses is a positive step toward aligning Nigeria’s higher‑education system with global trends while meeting domestic needs. The ripple effects—ranging from expanded learning opportunities for students to the development of a more robust workforce—will likely contribute significantly to Nigeria’s socioeconomic progress over the next decade.