National Universities Commission of Nigeria NUC

The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the statutory regulatory body responsible for the development and quality assurance of university education in Nigeria. Established in 1962 as an advisory agency in the Cabinet Office, it became a statutory body in 1974 under the leadership of its first Executive Secretary, Professor Jibril Aminu. Headquartered in Abuja, the NUC operates as a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Education, overseeing Africa's largest university system with 283 institutions as of 2025.

Historical Background

The NUC originated from recommendations of the Ashby Commission, which also advocated for establishing new federal universities. Initially operating as a non-statutory body, its early operations were constrained by constitutional limitations until military reforms in 1974 granted it statutory authority. Over decades, the Commission evolved from a small cabinet office unit to Nigeria's primary higher education regulator, playing pivotal roles in university establishment, academic standards and resource allocation.

Organizational Structure

The Commission operates under a Governing Council, currently chaired by Emeritus Professor Oluremi Raphael Aina, with Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu serving as Executive Secretary since December 2024. Its operations are divided across twelve directorates including Academic Planning, Accreditation, Research & Innovation and Private University Establishment. This structure enables specialized oversight of Nigeria's diverse university system comprising 73 federal, 67 state and 159 private institutions.

Core Mandate and Functions

The NUC's primary mandate involves ensuring orderly development of quality university education aligned with national needs. Key functions include:

• Advising federal and state governments on university establishment and financing
• Developing periodic master plans for balanced university system growth
• Setting Minimum Academic Standards (MAS) and subsequent Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS)
• Conducting programme and institutional accreditation
• Channeling governmental and external aid to universities
• Monitoring compliance with quality assurance frameworks

Accreditation System

The NUC operates one of Africa's most robust accreditation systems, evaluating programmes across four core areas: Academic Content (70% threshold), Staffing Qualifications, Physical Facilities and Library Resources. Institutions must meet these benchmarks to receive Full Accreditation status. The process involves:

• Peer-review by independent panels of subject experts
• Institutional self-study using NUC-prescribed forms
• Multi-stage verification including management ratification
• Periodic reviews every 3-5 years

This rigorous system has been adopted as model by several African nations including Namibia and Gambia.

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

Beyond accreditation, the NUC maintains quality through:

• Development of curriculum templates for 13 academic disciplines
• Mandatory resource assessments for new programmes
• System-wide programme audits (e.g., 2007 Affiliate Institutions review)
• Virtual Institute for Capacity Building (training 5,000+ professionals)
• Transnational Education Guidelines for cross-border programmes

Recent Developments

In 2025, the NUC partnered with France's AFD on a €38 million ICT transformation project for Nigerian universities. It recently accredited Ebonyi State's University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering and introduced Open/Distance Learning expansion policies to address enrollment demands. The Commission also collaborates with international bodies like CHEA (USA), QAA (UK) and the African Quality Assurance Network.

Impact on Nigerian Higher Education

The NUC has significantly influenced Nigeria's educational landscape by:

• Standardizing academic programmes across 283 universities
• Increasing accredited programmes to 80% of national target
• Facilitating ICT integration across universities
• Aligning graduate output with labor market needs
• Serving as channel for international academic partnerships

Despite challenges of rapid university proliferation, the Commission maintains its regulatory role through continuous policy innovation and quality enforcement, positioning Nigeria's university system for global competitiveness.

Organization Name

National Universities Commission of Nigeria

Acronym

NUC

Year of Establishment

1962

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Aja Nwachukwu House, Plot 430 Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama District PMB 237 Garki GPO
Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Nigeria

Phone

+234 (9) 4133 176181

Fax

+234 (9) 4133 250

FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES

• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
• Bayero University, Kano
• Federal University Gashua, Yobe
• Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri
• Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
• Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State
• Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
• Federal University, Gusau Zamfara
• Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State
• Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State
• Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
• Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa
• Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
• Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
• Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
• Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola
• National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
• Nigeria Police Academy Wudil
• Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
• Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife
• University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
• University of Benin
• University of Calabar
• University of Ibadan
• University of Ilorin
• University of Jos
• University of Lagos
• University of Maiduguri
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Port-Harcourt
• University of Uyo
• Usumanu Danfodiyo University
• Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta State
• Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna
• Nigerian Army University Biu
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State
• Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State
• Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State
• Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State
• David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu
• Admiralty University Ibusa, Delta State
• Federal University of Transportation Daura, Katsina
• African Aviation and Aerospace University
• National University of Science and Technology, Abuja
• Federal University of Agriculture Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa
• Federal University of Health Sciences Kwale, Delta State
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina
• Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi
• Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State
• Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State
• Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano
• Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo
• Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu
• Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta
• Federal University of Education Pankshin, Plateau State
• Federal University of Education Kontagora, Niger State
• University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State
• Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai Town, Ogoniland, Rivers State
• Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State
• Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode
• Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbuji, Osun State
• Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Federal University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Item, Abia State

STATE UNIVERSITIES

• Abia State University, Uturu
• Adamawa State University Mubi
• Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
• Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden
• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• Bauchi State University, Gadau
• Benue State University, Makurdi
• Bornu State University, Maiduguri
• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
• Delta State University Abraka
• Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
• Edo State University Uzairue
• Ekiti State University
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
• First Technical University Ibadan
• Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe
• Gombe State University of Science and Technology
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Rumuolumeni
• Imo State University, Owerri
• Kaduna State University, Kaduna
• Aliko Dangote university of Science & Technology, Wudil
• Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
• Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State
• Kwara State University, Ilorin
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
• Lagos State University, Ojo
• Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology Abeokuta
• Nasarawa State University Keffi
• Niger Delta University Yenagoa
• Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
• Olusegun Agagu University of Sc. & Tech., Okitipupa, Ondo
• Osun State University Osogbo
• Plateau State University Bokkos
• Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba
• Rivers State University
• Sokoto State University
• Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa
• Taraba State University, Jalingo
• Umar Musa Yar' Adua University Katsina
• University of Africa Toru Orua, Bayelsa State
• University of Cross River State, Calabar
• University of Ilesa, Osun State
• University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State
• University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State
• Yobe State University, Damaturu
• Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano
• Zamfara State University
• Bayelsa Medical University
• Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi
• University of Delta, Agbor
• Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro
• Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba
• Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State
• Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin
• Lagos State University of Science and Technology Ikorodu
• Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto
• State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu
• Emanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo
• Kogi State University, Kabba
• AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna Niger State
• Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Kwara State
• Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger State
• Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe, Ebonyi State
• Cross River University of Education and Entrepeneurship, Akampa, Cross River State
• Benue State University of Agriculture Science and Technology, Ihugh
• University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering Ezza, Ebonyi State

PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

• Achievers University, Owo
• Adeleke University, Ede
• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti - Ekiti State
• African University of Science and Technology, Abuja
• Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan
• Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
• Al-Qalam University, Katsina
• American University of Nigeria, Yola
• Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State
• Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State
• Atiba University Oyo
• Augustine University
• Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State
• Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo
• Baze University
• Bells University of Technology, Otta
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
• Bingham University, New Karu
• Bowen University, Iwo
• Caleb University, Lagos
• Caritas University, Enugu
• Chrisland University
• Christopher University Mowe
• Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State
• Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State
• Coal City University Enugu State
• Covenant University Ota
• Crawford University Igbesa
• Crescent University
• Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State
• Dominion University Ibadan, Oyo State
• Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
• Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences Ijanikin, Lagos
• Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
• Evangel University, Akaeze
• Fountain Unveristy, Oshogbo
• Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike - Enugu State
• Greenfield University, Kaduna
• Gregory University, Uturu
• Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
• Hezekiah University, Umudi
• Igbinedion University Okada
• Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
• Kings University, Ode Omu
• Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State
• Kwararafa University, Wukari
• Landmark University, Omu-Aran
• Lead City University, Ibadan
• Legacy University, Okija Anambra State
• Madonna University, Okija
• Maranatha University, Lagos
• Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
• Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University
• Mountain Top University
• Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
• Novena University, Ogume
• Obong University, Obong Ntak
• Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu - Osun State
• Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
• Paul University, Awka - Anambra State
• Redeemer's University, Ede
• Renaissance University, Enugu
• Rhema University, Obeama-Asa - Rivers State
• Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
• Salem University, Lokoja
• Skyline University, Kano
• Southwestern University, Oku Owa
• Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State
• Summit University, Offa
• Tansian University, Umunya
• Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State
• University of Mkar, Mkar
• Veritas University, Abuja
• Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa - Edo State
• Wesley University Ondo
• Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State
• Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State
• Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt
• Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State
• Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State
• Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State
• NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State
• Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State
• James Hope University, Lagos, Lagos State
• Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State
• Capital City University, Kano State
• Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State
• University of Offa, Kwara State
• Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa State
• Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State
• Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja
• Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State
• Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State
• North Eastern University, Gombe
• Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno
• Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State
• African University of Economics, FCT, Abuja
• Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State
• Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State
• Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja
• Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State
• Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State
• Amaj University, Kwali, Abuja
• Azman University, Kano State
• Baba Ahmed University, Kano State
• British Canadian University, Obufu Cross River State
• Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja
• College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State
• Cosmopolitan University Abuja
• El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State
• Elrazi Medical University Yargaya University, Kano State
• Eranova University, Abuja
• European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, FCT
• Franco British International University, Kaduna State
• Gerar University of Medical Science Imope Ijebu, Ogun State
• Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa State
• Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemisi, Ekiti State
• Huda University, Gusau, Zamafara State
• Iconic Open University, Sokoto State
• Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State
• Jewel University, Gombe state
• Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State
• Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano
• Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
• Lighthouse University, Evbobanosa, Edo State
• Lux Mundi University Umuahia, Abia State
• Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State
• Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State
• Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Ogun State
• Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
• Ojaja University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
• Westland University Iwo, Osun State

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