"The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved new universities for the 2026/2027 academic session."
NUC Approves New Universities for 2026/2027 Academic Session — 328 Institutions Now Accredited
Published: August 15, 2026 | Source: CampusAI News
📌 Overview
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved multiple new universities for the 2026/2027 academic session, bringing the total number of accredited universities in Nigeria to 328. The approvals include new private universities, state universities, and federal institutions.
🏛️ Recent NUC Approvals (July–August 2026)
Omega University, Kaduna — Operational Licence Granted
The NUC has officially approved Omega University, Kaduna, a faith-based institution, to commence academic activities and admit students for the 2026/2027 session.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Institution | Omega University, Kaduna |
| Location | Kaduna State |
| Approval Date | August 2026 |
| Programmes | 10 undergraduate programmes |
| Mentor Institution | Kaduna State University |
| Status | Approved to admit students in 2026/2027 |
> "Today marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new era. You have crossed all the hurdles. The university is now approved and no longer proposed." — Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, NUC Executive Secretary
Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences — 70th State University
The NUC has formally recognised the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia, as Nigeria's 70th state-owned university.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Institution | Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences |
| Location | Majia, Jigawa State |
| Status | 70th state university; Nigeria's 328th university |
| Programmes | Anatomy, Physiology, Public Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Radiography, Health Information Management, Pharmacy |
| Commencement | 2027 academic session (subject to NUC resource verification) |
Historical Significance: This approval marks the first instance of a state government acquiring an existing private university and converting it into a public institution in Nigeria's university system.
> "The establishment of additional medical institutions remains critical to producing the healthcare personnel required to meet the country's growing healthcare needs." — Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, NUC Executive Secretary
High-Flyers University, Ikere-Ekiti — Provisional Licence Granted
The Federal Government has granted a provisional licence to High-Flyers University, Ikere-Ekiti, to commence operations as a private university in Ekiti State.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Institution | High-Flyers University, Ikere-Ekiti |
| Location | Ekiti State |
| Licence Date | June 29, 2026 |
| Faculties | 3 faculties |
| Departments | 11 departments |
| Programmes | 15 undergraduate programmes |
Faculties and Programmes:
| Faculty | Programmes |
|---------|------------|
| Allied Health Sciences | Nursing Science, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science |
| Science and Computing | Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Physics with Electronics, Science Laboratory Technology, Microbiology |
| Social and Management Sciences | Accounting, Business Administration, Criminology and Security Studies, International Relations |
Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture — 313th University
The NUC has formally recognised the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu, as the 69th state-owned university and the 313th university in Nigeria.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Institution | Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action |
| Location | Gembu, Taraba State |
| Status | 69th state university; 313th university in Nigeria |
| Focus | Agriculture, science, technology and climate action |
> "The decision by the state government to establish a university focused on agriculture, science, technology and climate action demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges facing the country." — Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, NUC Executive Secretary
Important Note: The NUC Executive Secretary clarified that recognition does not amount to approval for the commencement of academic activities. The institution must undergo resource verification by the commission to ascertain the availability of required human and material resources before admitting students.
📊 Summary of New Universities (2026)
| Category | Number | Details |
|----------|--------|---------|
| Private Universities | 20+ | Including Omega University (Kaduna), High-Flyers University (Ekiti), Leadership University (Abuja), Jimoh Babalola University (Ilorin), Bridget University (Imo) |
| State Universities | 6+ | Including Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences, Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture |
| Federal Universities | 7 | Including Federal University of Environment and Technology (Rivers), Federal University of Applied Sciences (Kaduna), Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies (Osun) |
| Total New Approvals | 33 | Bringing Nigeria's total to 328 universities |
📌 Important Notes for Prospective Students
1. Recognition ≠ Academic Approval
> ⚠️ Important: NUC recognition does not automatically mean a university can immediately admit students. The commission must conduct resource verification to confirm adequate personnel and physical facilities before academic activities can commence.
2. Verify Accreditation Status
Candidates are strongly advised to verify the accreditation status of any university directly through the NUC official website before applying.
3. JAMB and NYSC Eligibility
Newly approved universities must be notified to JAMB, TETFund, NYSC, and NELFund before students can benefit from government interventions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many universities are there in Nigeria now?
A: Nigeria now has 328 universities following the issuance of provisional licences to additional institutions.
Q: Which new universities were approved recently?
A: New approvals include Omega University (Kaduna), High-Flyers University (Ekiti), Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences, and Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, among others.
Q: Can these new universities admit students immediately?
A: No. NUC recognition does not automatically mean a university can admit students. Resource verification must be conducted first.
Q: Where can I find the full list of accredited universities?
A: The complete and official list of all accredited universities is maintained by the NUC. Visit the NUC official website for the latest information.
Q: What is the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences?
A: It is Nigeria's 70th state-owned university, acquired from private ownership and converted into a specialised medical university to address healthcare workforce shortages.
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> 📌 Editor's Note: This article is based on official NUC announcements and verified news sources as of August 2026. The number of universities continues to grow as new institutions receive approval. Always verify critical information on the official NUC website.