"Nigeria now has 328 universities as NUC approves new institutions, accredits programmes, and implements key policy changes for 2026/2027. New universities include Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences and Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture. Major accreditations secured by UNILAG, FUNAAB, UNIBEN, and KWASU.
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National Universities Commission (NUC) Guidelines and Key Updates for 2026/2027 Academic Session
Published: July 31, 2026 | Source: CampusAI News
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📌 Overview
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been actively reshaping Nigeria's higher education landscape throughout 2026. From approving new universities and accrediting academic programmes to implementing major policy changes and expanding online learning opportunities, the Commission has taken significant steps that directly impact prospective students, parents, and university administrators.
This comprehensive guide provides the latest updates on NUC's 2026 activities, including new universities approved, accredited programmes, policy changes, and what these developments mean for candidates seeking admission into the 2026/2027 academic session.
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🆕 New Universities Approved in 2026
Nigeria Now Has 328 Universities
The NUC has confirmed that Nigeria now has 328 universities following the issuance of provisional licences to additional institutions across the country.[reference:0]
Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences — 70th State University
In a historic move, the NUC formally approved the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia, as Nigeria's 70th state-owned university.[reference:1] This marks the first private-to-state university conversion in Nigeria's history, acquired by the Jigawa State Government to strengthen healthcare manpower development and build local training capacity.[reference:2]
Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture — 313th University in Nigeria
The NUC granted official recognition to the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu, bringing the total number of universities in Nigeria to 313.[reference:3]
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Institution | Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action |
| Location | Gembu, Taraba State |
| Status | 69th state-owned university; 313th university in Nigeria[reference:4] |
| Focus | Agricultural innovation, climate research, technology-driven development[reference:5] |
33 New Universities Approved Earlier in 2026
In February 2026, the NUC approved 33 new universities, expanding Nigeria's higher education system across federal, state, and private institutions.[reference:6]
| Category | Number |
|----------|--------|
| Federal Government | 7 new institutions |
| State Governments | 6 new institutions |
| Private Sector | 20 new private universities |
> 📌 Note: NUC has reiterated that approval does not mean automatic commencement of admissions, stressing that institutions must fully comply with academic standards, staffing requirements, and infrastructural benchmarks.[reference:7]
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📚 Programme Accreditations and Approvals in 2026
UNILAG Secures Full Accreditation for 11 Programmes
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) says 11 academic programmes have secured full accreditation from the NUC and other relevant professional bodies, representing a 100% success rate in the 2025 accreditation exercise.[reference:8]
Newly Accredited Programmes:
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Radiography
- German
- Linguistics
- Home Economics
- Library and Information Science
- Special Needs Education
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Economics and Development Studies
FUNAAB Secures Approval for Six New Degree Programmes
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has received NUC approval to commence six new undergraduate programmes from the 2026/2027 academic session.[reference:9]
| S/N | Programme |
|-----|-----------|
| 1 | B.Sc. Geophysics |
| 2 | B.Sc. Public Health |
| 3 | B.Sc. Biotechnology |
| 4 | B.Sc. Science Laboratory Technology |
| 5 | B.Sc. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) |
| 6 | B.Sc. Clothing and Textile |
UNIBEN Gets NUC Approval for 6 New Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes
The NUC has approved six new full-time undergraduate programmes and additional postgraduate courses for the University of Benin (UNIBEN), effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.[reference:10]
Newly Approved Undergraduate Programmes:
- B.Sc. Speech Language Therapy
- B.Sc. Occupational Therapy
- B.Sc. International Relations
- B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
- B.Ed. Primary Education
- B.NSc. Nursing Science[reference:11]
KWASU Gets NUC Approval for 24 New Academic Programmes
Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has received NUC approval to begin 24 new academic programmes from the 2026/2027 academic session.[reference:12]
Approved Undergraduate Programmes:
- B.Sc. Architecture
- B.Sc. Quantity Surveying
- B.Sc. Surveying and Geoinformatics
- B.Nsc. Nursing Science
- B.Ed. Educational Technology[reference:13]
ESUT Gets NUC Approval for AI and Cybersecurity Programmes
The NUC has approved the establishment of five new full-time undergraduate programmes at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), effective from the 2026/2027 academic session, including programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.[reference:14]
Achievers University Secures Full Accreditation for 7 New Courses
Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, has received NUC approval for seven academic programmes.[reference:15]
Miva Open University Secures NUC Full Accreditation
Miva Open University has secured NUC full accreditation for 12 of its academic programmes, marking a significant moment for open and distance education in Nigeria.[reference:16]
KolaDaisi University Gets Full NUC Accreditation
The NUC has granted full accreditation to all academic programmes currently run by KolaDaisi University.[reference:17]
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📜 Major NUC Policy Changes and Guidelines in 2026
Federal Government Approves New Guidelines on Honorary Doctorate Awards
The Federal Government, through the NUC, has approved a comprehensive set of guidelines for the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees by Nigerian universities, barring serving public officials from receiving such awards and introducing stringent measures to restore the credibility and integrity of academic honours.[reference:18]
Key Provisions:
- Only universities that have produced their first set of PhD graduates will be permitted to award honorary doctorate degrees[reference:19]
- Universities are limited to a maximum of three honorary awards per convocation ceremony[reference:20]
- All honorary doctorates must be clearly designated as "Honoris Causa"[reference:21]
- Universities are required to publicly disclose the identities of honorary degree recipients[reference:22]
- Organise orientation programmes for awardees and implement revocation procedures where necessary[reference:23]
NUC Approves Unbundling of UNN Mass Communication Programme
The NUC has approved the unbundling of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), into five new undergraduate programmes, with effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.[reference:24]
New Programmes:
- B.Sc. Advertising
- B.Sc. Broadcasting
- B.Sc. Development Communication Studies
- B.Sc. Journalism and Media Studies
- B.Sc. Public Relations[reference:25]
>
Note: The approval strictly applies to full-time mode of delivery. Any plan to introduce part-time or postgraduate components will require further notification and approval.[reference:26]
COREN Announces Quotas for Engineering Courses as NUC, JAMB Approve Enforcement
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has announced that the NUC and JAMB have approved the enforcement of admission quotas for engineering programmes in Nigerian universities.[reference:27]
Key Points:
- Engineering programmes will now be placed on the same footing as medicine, law, and pharmacy[reference:28]
- This is aimed at improving the standards, quality and hands-on competencies of engineering graduates for enhanced employability[reference:29]
NUC Approves AI-Integrated Postgraduate Programmes
The NUC has approved three new AI-integrated postgraduate programmes for American Open University Nigeria (A-Global), clearing the institution to admit its first master's degree students in the 2026/2027 academic session.[reference:30]
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🌐 Online and Distance Learning Approvals
NUC Opens Door for Nigerians to Earn American Degrees
The NUC has approved new frameworks for Transnational Education (TNE) in Nigeria, expanding access to international degree programmes.[reference:31]
KASU Gets NUC Approval to Commence Distance Learning Institute
Kaduna State University (KASU) has received NUC approval to commence a Distance Learning Institute.[reference:32]
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated 15 July 2026, following the successful validation of the proposed Distance Learning Institute by an NUC panel.[reference:33]
List of Approved Federal Universities Offering Online Degrees
According to the NUC, the following universities have been approved to provide online degree programmes in 2026:
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife[reference:34]
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📋 Summary of Key NUC Developments in 2026
| Development | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| New Universities | 33 universities approved (7 federal, 6 state, 20 private); Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences (70th state university); Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture (313th university) |
| Programme Accreditations | UNILAG (11 programmes), FUNAAB (6 new programmes), UNIBEN (6 new programmes), KWASU (24 new programmes), ESUT (5 new programmes), Achievers University (7 programmes), Miva Open University (12 programmes) |
| New Guidelines | Honorary doctorate guidelines (PhD requirement, 3 per convocation, "Honoris Causa" designation); unbundling of UNN Mass Communication; engineering quotas enforced |
| Online/Distance Learning | KASU Distance Learning Institute approved; Miva Open University full accreditation; ABUAD Open & Distance Learning Centre approved |
| AI Integration | AI-integrated postgraduate programmes approved for American Open University Nigeria |
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many universities are there in Nigeria now?
A: As of July 2026, Nigeria has 328 universities following the issuance of provisional licences to additional institutions.[reference:35]
Q: What new state universities were approved in 2026?
A: New state universities approved in 2026 include the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences (70th state university) and the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action (69th state university, 313th university in Nigeria).[reference:36][reference:37]
Q: What new programmes were approved for UNIBEN?
A: UNIBEN received approval for six new undergraduate programmes including B.Sc. Speech Language Therapy, B.Sc. Occupational Therapy, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies, B.Ed. Primary Education, and B.NSc. Nursing Science.[reference:38]
Q: What is the new guideline on honorary doctorate awards?
A: Only universities that have produced their first set of PhD graduates can award honorary doctorates. Universities are limited to three per convocation, and all awards must be designated "Honoris Causa".[reference:39][reference:40][reference:41]
Q: What is the unbundling of Mass Communication at UNN?
A: The NUC has approved the unbundling of UNN's Mass Communication department into five new programmes: Advertising, Broadcasting, Development Communication Studies, Journalism and Media Studies, and Public Relations.[reference:42]
Q: Where can I find the full list of NUC-accredited universities?
A: The complete and official list of all accredited universities is maintained by the NUC. Candidates are advised to verify the accreditation status of any university directly through the NUC official website.[reference:43]
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> 📌 Editor's Note: This article is based on official NUC announcements and verified sources as of July 2026. The number of universities continues to grow as new institutions receive approval. Always verify critical information through official channels.
