The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued a directive to all Nigerian universities, ordering an immediate stop to the practice of multiple accreditations of academic programmes by various professional bodies.
This move follows a formal notification from the Federal Ministry of Education, which raised concerns over the increasing trend of independent accreditations by professional bodies, separate from the NUC’s oversight.
In a circular dated 20th May 2025 and signed by Jubril Abu Momoh, Acting Director, Executive Secretary’s Office, the NUC stated: “The Honourable Minister of Education has therefore approved that henceforth, all professional bodies shall no longer be allowed to conduct independent accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian Universities.”
The commission clarified that only a select group of regulatory bodies will retain the authority to continue their regulatory activities, but strictly in collaboration with the NUC.
These bodies are: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Council of Legal Education (CLE), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.
The commission urged all Vice-Chancellors to take immediate note and necessary action.
This directive is expected to streamline the accreditation process, reduce duplication of efforts, and reinforce the NUC’s central role in quality assurance within Nigeria’s university system.
The NUC concluded by assuring universities of its “highest regards” as the new policy takes effect.
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