The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 13 new degree programmes in the Nigerian universities’ Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS).
The announcement was published in an executive statement addressed to all Vice-Chancellors of universities and signed by Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the NUC executive secretary.
In the statement, the commission highlighted that this development reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the quality assurance mechanisms, enhancing academic relevance, and aligning Nigeria’s university education with emerging global trends.
The 13 Newly Approved Degree Programmes are:
- Nuclear Engineering (B.Eng).
- Nuclear Science (B.Sc)
- Comparative Economics and Management (B.Sc).
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (B.Sc).
- Telecommunication Science (B.Sc).
- Parasitology and Entomology (B.Sc).
- Islamic Economics and Finance (B.Sc).
- Intelligence and Security Studies (B.Sc).
- Community Health Science (H.HLIS).
- Geomatics (B.Eng)
- Human Kinetics (Sport Management) (B.Sc).
- Christian Education (B.Ed).
- Artificial Intelligence (B.Sc).
Each of these programmes is designed to shape the Nigerian academic system to produce graduates with the modern required skills for national development and economic sustainability.
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When will universities begin implementing these Programmes?
The National University Commission (NUC), in its official statement, requested all Nigerian universities to:
- Circulate these programmes to suitable faculties and departments.
- Provide the necessary facilities and equipment required for effective learning of these programmes.
- Commence implementation of these programmes effective 2025/2026 session.
Benefits of this development to Academic Enthusiasts
The introduction of the 13-degree programmes into the Nigerian university curriculum will yield significant benefits for academic enthusiasts in Nigeria, such as:
- Job Opportunities: Experts in these fields will get hired into various universities as lecturers or academic consultants.
- Exposure to Modern Trends: Experts in fields such as artificial intelligence will have the opportunity to conduct research through government-provided facilities.
- Collaborations: Universities will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry players in any of these given fields through knowledge-impacting workshops.
Benefits for Students
- Wide range of career choices: With the addition of these 13 degree programmes, students will now have a wide range of career programmes to choose from.
- More Admission Slots: More programmes mean more admission slots. Universities will now have to admit more students, increasing students’ admission chances.
- Career Opportunities: Students will now be able to access in-demand programmes and acquire skills that align with the global labour market. Courses like artificial intelligence and nuclear engineering.
How Students Can Take Advantage of this Opportunity
Students who are still unable to gain admission can quickly take advantage of these opportunities and apply for any of these programmes. Below are the steps to secure admission:
- Confirm that your chosen university has implemented the study of these programmes into relevant faculties and departments.
- Apply for a JAMB change of course from your previous course to any of the new degree programmes.
- Obtain your institution’s admission form (if applicable).
- Visit your school admission department and make enquiries for further guidelines on admission procedures and eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The National Union of Universities’ introduction of the thirteen (13) new degree programmes into the Nigerian university curriculum is a timely response to address academic deficiencies and provide a platform for Nigerian graduates to acquire skills that align with global trends. Students who seek admission into Nigerian universities should take advantage of the opportunity and grab one of these refining programmes.
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