NUC Lifts Embargo On Establishment Of Foreign Universities In Nigeria
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has lifted the embargo on the establishment or operation of foreign universities in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdulahi Yusufu Ribadu, at the 10th Convocation ceremony of Gregory University, Uturu, GUU, Abia State.
Prof. Ribadu said the decision was taken to allow foreign direct investment in the education sector.
He also said it was to strengthen and make the Nigerian university system more globally competitive.
The NUC boss, who was represented by Offor Chukwuemeka, said the Commission had initiated some sweeping reforms that would make products from Nigerian universities global hotcakes.
He further explained that the partnership “are under six competitive modes – franchise, branch campus, twinning/articulation, open and distance learning (ODL), acquisition and teaching institutions.”
Prof. Ribadu said NUC introduced a code of governance for private universities in Nigeria to ensure uniformity in their operations.
He said NUC embarked on curriculum re-engineering from Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), as part of efforts to reposition the system.
“NUC, during the curriculum review, adopted a 70:30 NUC:university ratio for curriculum content.
“NUC provided 70 per cent of the minimum core courses, which are mandatory for graduation in Nigerian universities, and 30 per cent for universities to customise and align with their unique areas of expertise.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
