The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed an immediate end to the practice of academic programme accreditations being carried out independently by professional bodies in Nigerian universities, except in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC).
This decision follows concerns the Federal Ministry of Education raised over the duplication of accreditation processes by various professional organizations across the country’s higher institutions. According to a circular dated May 9, 2025, sent to university vice-chancellors, the policy shift aims to streamline quality assurance mechanisms in the tertiary education sector.
The circular, issued by NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, and referencing a directive from the Education Minister, noted that multiple accreditations were becoming increasingly common, leading to inefficiencies and overlapping authority.
“In line with the recent directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, professional bodies will no longer be permitted to conduct separate accreditations of university academic programmes,” the document stated.
However, a few regulatory agencies have been granted exemptions, allowing them to continue oversight roles in partnership with the NUC. These include:
•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 for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
•Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON)
The NUC urged all universities to adhere strictly to the new guidelines and engage only through approved accreditation channels to ensure consistent standards across institutions.