The National Universities Commission (NUC) said it has introduced a code of governance for private universities in the country to ensure greater uniformity in the running of such institutions.
This comes as NUC lauds Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), Abia State, for its high academic standards.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Abdulahi Yusufu Ribadu, who made this known while speaking during the 10th convocation ceremony of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), said the introduction of the code was part of the sweeping and far‑reaching reforms undertaken by the Commission to make Nigerian universities globally competitive.
Represented by Offor Chukwuemeka, an official of the Commission, Prof Ribadu hinted that another reform was the lifting of the embargo placed on the establishment and running of foreign university campuses in Nigeria.
Prof Ribadu said NUC’s review of its guideline on Transnational Education was to allow foreign investors and universities into the Nigerian University System (NUS) to establish campuses in Nigeria.
He said the partnership with the existing universities is under six competitive modes: franchise, branch campus, twinning/articulation, open and distance learning (ODL), acquisition and teaching institutions.
He added that the NUC embarked on some projects, including curriculum re‑engineering from Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
“NUC during the curriculum review adopted 70:30 NUC : University ratio for curriculum content.
“NUC provided 70 percent of the minimum core course which are mandatory for graduation in Nigerian universities and 30 percent for universities to customise to align with their unique areas of expertise.”
The NUC ES said these were done with emphasis on the acquisition of 21st‑century employability skills for graduating students.
Governor Alex Otti commended the founder of GUU, Professor Gregory Ibe, for his foresight in the establishment of the university, which he said has helped in providing education for the youths of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, Governor Otti promised his administration’s support for the institution.
The governor congratulated the graduands and assured them their future was bright.
Founder of the university, Prof Ibe, expressed joy that his dream of establishing such an institution came true.
Prof Ibe, whose address was read by the University’s Pro‑Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Prof Augustine Uwakwe, reminded the graduands of the challenges ahead, but was optimistic they would surmount them.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor (Mrs) Cele Njoku, enumerated the academic feats of the institution, saying GUU has not only begun a course in Artificial Intelligence, but also in over four major foreign languages.
Prof Njoku disclosed that all the eight programmes submitted to NUC in 2024 got full accreditation, adding that the institution has submitted another 10 programmes and hopes they will all be accredited.
She congratulated the graduands and wished them well in their future endeavours.
The Chancellor of the university, Okechukwu Gregory Ibe, said GUU is leading the way in research and innovation in Nigeria by establishing the best innovation centre in Abuja.
Over 400 graduands took part in the convocation, with Onyechere Chinedum Yadirichukwu emerging the overall best.
