NUC Removes Ban on Setting Up Foreign Universities in Nigeria

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has lifted the ban on the establishment and operation of foreign universities in Nigeria. NUC Ex ecutive Secretary, Professor Abdulahi Yusufu Ribadu, announced the decision over the weekend during the 10th Convocation of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) in Abia State, stating that the move aims to attract foreign direct investment into the education sector and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

Represented by Offor Chukwuemeka, Prof. Ribadu highlighted that the Commission has implemented broad reforms to ensure graduates from Nigerian universities are globally competitive. He explained that partnerships with foreign institutions can now take place through six models: franchise, branch campus, twinning/articulation, open and distance learning (ODL), acquisition, and teaching institutions.

Prof. Ribadu also noted that NUC has introduced a governance code for private universities to standardise operations and embarked on curriculum re-engineering, shifting from Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). Under the new framework, 70% of core courses are provided by NUC and mandatory for graduation, while universities retain 30% flexibility to tailor courses to their unique strengths.

The reforms aim to equip students with 21st-century employability skills, and NUC commended GUU’s management for its contributions to advancing education in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti praised Professor Gregory Ibe, founder of GUU, for establishing an institution that has positively impacted many lives. Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to driving educational development in the state.

The Vice Chancellor of GUU, Professor Cele Njoku, said the university has grown from three to 12 colleges with over 53 departments in 13 years. She added that all eight courses submitted to NUC in 2024 received full accreditation, and new programs, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and major foreign languages, have been introduced. The VC urged graduates to serve as ambassadors of the institution.

Founder Professor Gregory Ibe, represented by the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, reiterated his vision of providing accessible, quality education. He expressed pride in the students’ achievements and encouraged graduates to contribute solutions to societal challenges.

The overall best graduating student, Master Onyechere Chinedum Yadirichukwu, who earned a 4.91 CGPA, dedicated his achievement to his parents and emphasized the need to build the Nigeria they envision.

Honorary doctorate degrees were awarded to former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mba, and Dr. Okenze Sylvester Obinna, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Imo State.