National Universities Commission

Official Account of the Sole Regulatory Agency for University Education in Nigeria.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

PUBLIC NOTICE

NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION GUIDELINES FOR THE AWARD AND USE OF HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREES IN NIGERIA

The National Universities Commission (NUC), by virtue of the provisions of the Education Act (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions), CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and in the discharge of its statutory responsibility to ensure the orderly development of university education in Nigeria, hereby issues this Public Notice.

The Commission has observed, with grave concern, the increasing incidence of indiscriminate conferment and misuse of Honorary Doctorate Degrees within the Nigerian University System. In response to this development, the Management of the Commission has approved comprehensive Guidelines for the Award and Use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Nigeria. The Guidelines are intended to regulate the conferment process, preserve academic integrity and safeguard the credibility of the Nigerian University System.

Accordingly, all Nigerian Universities and other degree-awarding institutions are hereby directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of the NUC-approved Guidelines. This directive is consistent with the principles enshrined in the Keffi Declaration of 2012, to which all Vice-Chancellors were signatories.

The general public is further reminded that Honorary Doctorate Degrees, whether awarded by institutions within Nigeria or abroad, are honorary distinctions and should not be represented or regarded as equivalent to earned academic doctorate qualifications.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission reiterates that these Guidelines have been issued to protect the sanctity, integrity and global reputation of the Nigerian University System. All stakeholders are therefore expected to comply fully with the laid-down procedures governing the conferment and use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

Please note that appropriate regulatory sanctions shall be imposed on any institution found to have violated the NUC-approved Guidelines, as well as on individuals who misuse honorary titles.

By this Notice, all concerned are advised accordingly.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, on 3 August 2026 welcomed the delegation of The Gambia's Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), led by the Honourable Minister, Prof. Pierre Gomez, on a three-day study tour focused on innovation and entrepreneurship experiential learning.

He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, advancing entrepreneurship education, and sharing Nigeria's higher education reforms and best practices to drive sustainable socio-economic development across West Africa.

In his remarks, Prof. Gomez described the study tour as an opportunity to shape the trajectory of The Gambia's university system, noting that Nigerian academia has long served as the bedrock of higher education in The Gambia.

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The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, joined distinguished stakeholders in celebrating Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, at his send-forth ceremony held on 31 July 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, marking the completion of his remarkable 10-year tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Paying tribute to Professor Oloyede, Professor Ribadu remarked:

"It has been a privilege to work alongside Professor Oloyede over the years and to witness firsthand the remarkable reforms he championed at JAMB. His leadership has been defined by integrity, transparency, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria's higher education system.

Beyond our professional relationship, I value him as a trusted colleague and dear friend whose humility, wisdom, and dedication to public service have inspired many of us. As he begins a new chapter, I celebrate his enduring legacy and thank him for his immense contributions to our nation. On behalf of the National Universities Commission, I wish him continued good health, peace, and fulfilment in the years ahead."

Professor Oloyede leaves behind a record of impactful reforms, institutional excellence, and exemplary public service that will continue to inspire the Nigerian higher education community for years to come.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Chairman of the Board, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Alice Ogundele, today led a delegation comprising the Registrar/CEO, Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, and other members of the Management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN.

The visit reinforced the longstanding partnership between the Commission and the Council, with discussions centred on collaboration in key policy areas. Prof. Ribadu described nursing as a critical profession in Nigeria's healthcare system and reaffirmed NUC's commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen nursing education and training.

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The Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, today led the University Management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN.

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to sustain high academic standards, enhance institutional development, and reinforce the University's contributions to national development, in view of its strategic location in the Federal Capital Territory.

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Regional Universities Forum (RUFORUM) Executive Secretary, Prof. Patrick Okori, today, led a delegation of the Association of Deans of Agriculture of Nigerian Universities (ADAN) on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, following the successful conclusion of the 65th & 66th RUFORUM General Conference and Assembly in Abuja.

The visit focused on strengthening collaboration in agricultural education through curriculum development, research, entrepreneurship and capacity building. Prof. Ribadu reaffirmed NUC's commitment to partnering with RUFORUM and ADAN to advance agricultural education, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, paid a monitoring visit to Modibbo Adama University, Yola, as part of the Commission's ongoing post-matriculation assessment exercise.

During the visit, Prof. Ribadu inspected key institutional facilities, including the University's 4.25MW Solar Mini Grid, the A. Y. Ribadu Lecture Theatre, and the Veterinary Clinic. The clinic was commissioned in 2006 by the late Prof. Idris Abdulkadir, former Executive Secretary of the NUC and mentor to Prof. Ribadu, during Prof. Ribadu's tenure as the 5th Vice-Chancellor of the then Federal University of Technology, Yola.

The visit provided an opportunity to assess teaching and research facilities while reaffirming the Commission's commitment to quality assurance across the nation's universities.

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The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, has described the recognition of the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia, Jigawa State, as a significant milestone in advancing healthcare education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the recognition ceremony held today at the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Minister noted that the establishment of the University is timely and strategic, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to strengthen the nation's healthcare system through quality medical education and the training of skilled health professionals.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency Umar Namadi, has commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for granting recognition to the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia.

Receiving the letter of recognition today at the NUC Headquarters in Abuja, the Governor described the approval as a significant milestone in the State's efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through the training of highly skilled medical and allied health professionals.

He noted that the University was established to support Nigeria's healthcare system by producing the qualified manpower required to meet the nation's growing health needs.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

JUST IN: The National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally recognised the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia, as the 70th State University in the Nigerian University System.

Presenting the letter of recognition, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, congratulated the Government and people of Jigawa State, noting that the establishment of the specialised institution is timely in addressing Nigeria's shortage of healthcare professionals.

He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to supporting the University through its quality assurance mechanisms and urged the State Government to provide adequate funding to enable the institution realise its full potential as a centre of excellence in medical education and research.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, today participated in the One-Day SIWES Chief Executives' Meeting at the ITF Skills House, Abuja, where he reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) as a bridge between classroom learning and industry practice.

He called for deeper NUC–ITF collaboration to improve programme implementation through timely onboarding of universities, prompt payment of students' stipends and supervisors' allowances, enhanced digital processes, expanded industry placements and stronger capacity building for stakeholders.

Prof. Ribadu noted that a more effective SIWES will produce industry-ready, globally competitive graduates equipped to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and Nigeria's economic transformation.

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More photos from the 2026 ECAN Annual Summit in Abuja, where the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, was honoured with the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN) Award of Excellence.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, has been honoured with the 2026 Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN) Award of Excellence for his outstanding contributions to university development, innovation and quality assurance.

The award was presented by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, during the 2026 ECAN Annual Summit held today at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Executive Secretary, the NUC Director of Research, Innovation and Information Technology, Mallam Lawal Mohammed Faruk, expressed appreciation to ECAN for the recognition and highlighted the Commission's major achievements under Prof. Ribadu's leadership since December 2024.

He noted that the Commission has expanded access to university education, approved new academic programmes, strengthened quality assurance, advanced digital transformation, and secured major international funding for ICT, research and institutional development.

Presenting the awards, Dr. Alausa commended the recipients for their commitment to advancing Nigeria's education sector, while ECAN said the honours recognise visionary leadership and impactful service.

Congratulations to the Executive Secretary on this well-deserved recognition.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

Entrepreneurship education must move beyond theory to practice if Nigerian universities are to produce graduates who create jobs, solve problems and drive innovation.

This was the central message from the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, as he declared open, today, the three-day training on Teaching Entrepreneurship Using Effectuation at the University of Abuja.

The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to embedding practical, action-oriented entrepreneurship education across Nigerian universities through the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). He noted that the training supports the effective implementation of the CCMAS by equipping lecturers with innovative approaches to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets, resilience and creativity among students across all academic disciplines.

He stressed that entrepreneurship education should provide students with practical learning experiences that build the confidence to identify opportunities, solve real-world problems and create value in an increasingly innovation-driven economy.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, alongside Vice-Chancellors of several Nigerian universities, is participating in the five-day AraRocks Quadruple Helix Knowledge Exchange Conference, holding from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the Novotel Singapore.

Organised by Ara-Rocks Ltd in collaboration with the NUC and hosted in partnership with Vanguard Guild USA, Hatch Ideas UK, foundations, universities and leading institutions in Singapore, the conference brings together academia, industry, government and civil society to explore how higher education can drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Ribadu delivered a keynote address titled, "Transition from BMAS to CCMAS: The Critical Role of Quadruple Helix Synergy Between Academia, Industry, Government and Civil Society in Achieving the Full Essence of the CCMAS Curriculum."

He highlighted Nigeria's transition from the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), describing it as a strategic reform aimed at producing globally competitive graduates with 21st-century skills, while strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, government and civil society to promote research, innovation and sustainable national development.

Following the opening session, the Nigerian delegation toured the School of Engineering at Nanyang Polytechnic, where they observed successful models of industry-academia collaboration driving innovation and addressing societal challenges.

The conference will continue with visits to the National University of Singapore and engagement sessions with global industry leaders and experts, providing further opportunities for knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and the exchange of international best practices.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The National Universities Commission (NUC) today formally recognised the establishment of Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action (TSU-TASCA), Gembu, as a State University in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary described the recognition as an important milestone and reaffirmed the commitment of the National Universities Commission to supporting the institution in line with its quality assurance standards and guidelines.

Speaking during the recognition ceremony at the Commission, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, stated that the establishment of the university is driven by a strategic vision to create a world-class institution dedicated to addressing pressing regional and global challenges at the intersection of tropical agriculture, scientific innovation, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.

The university is expected to contribute significantly to human capital development, research, innovation, and sustainable development, while expanding access to quality university education in Nigeria.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION STATUS OF MIDOCEAN UNIVERSITY, FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

The National Universities Commission (NUC) wishes to inform the general public that it has received a communication from the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), conveying a notification from the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the withdrawal of the recognition status of Midocean University, Fujairah, UAE.

Consequently, the recognition previously accorded to Midocean University, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, is hereby withdrawn.

Accordingly, certificates, diplomas, degrees, and all other academic qualifications awarded by the institution shall no longer be recognized for the purposes of employment, further studies, credential evaluation, professional registration, or any other official purpose within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Commission therefore advises prospective students, parents, employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to take note of this development and exercise due diligence by verifying the recognition status of foreign institutions and their academic programmes before seeking admission, accepting qualifications, or entering into academic collaborations.

All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers of labour, tertiary institutions, professional regulatory bodies, and members of the public are hereby requested to be guided accordingly.

The National Universities Commission remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, quality, and credibility of higher education qualifications recognized in Nigeria and will continue to provide timely information on the status of institutions and academic programmes for the benefit of the public.

For further enquiries, please contact the National Universities Commission through its official communication channels.

Rita N. Okonjo
Director, Public Affairs
National Universities Commission

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, yesterday received the Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, on a courtesy visit to his office.

During the visit, AVM Ademuwagun stated that the engagement was intended to acquaint himself with the Executive Secretary following his recent appointment as the 14th Commandant of AFIT. He also expressed appreciation to the NUC for its continued support, guidance, and commitment to the development of the institution.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary welcomed the Commandant and his delegation, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to supporting AFIT in the attainment of its mandate and strategic objectives. He noted that, as one of the universities under the Commission’s regulatory purview, AFIT would continue to benefit from NUC’s guidance and partnership, while emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing quality university education in Nigeria.

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The National Universities Commission (NUC), in collaboration with the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom, yesterday convened a One-Day Workshop on Knowledge Exchange and Strategic Networking with Nigerian Universities, themed “From Innovation to Impact: Strengthening Partnerships for Innovation, Practice and Policy.”

Declaring the workshop open, the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, FCVSN, emphasized the pivotal role of entrepreneurship education in enhancing graduate employability, driving innovation, promoting economic diversification, and advancing Nigeria’s sustainable development goals. He noted that universities must evolve into centres of innovation, enterprise creation, and problem-solving, producing graduates equipped to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the emergence of a growing network of over 60 Nigerian universities actively engaged in entrepreneurship education and innovation initiatives, describing it as a strategic platform for knowledge sharing, collaborative research, institutional capacity building, peer learning, and the dissemination of best practices across the higher education landscape.

He further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among universities, industry, government, development partners, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurial communities to build a vibrant and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem. According to him, entrepreneurship education thrives when universities establish mutually beneficial partnerships with industry, ensuring that academic programmes remain relevant, practical, and responsive to evolving labour market demands.

The Executive Secretary also underscored the importance of international partnerships, Transnational Education (TNE), and digital capability development in strengthening entrepreneurship education and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

[National Universities Commission @OfficialNUC]

The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, today delivered a goodwill message at the Gender Inclusive Climate Change Governance (GenCGov) International Conference held at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the importance of equity and inclusion in climate governance, noting that effective climate policies must reflect the realities and perspectives of women, youth, and other underrepresented groups.

He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to integrating climate change and sustainability issues into university curricula through the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address emerging climate challenges.