The National Universities Commission (NUC) has lifted the embargo on the establishment and operation of foreign universities in Nigeria, in a move aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening the country’s university system.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, disclosed this at the 10th convocation ceremony of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, held at the weekend.
Ribadu said the decision was taken to allow increased investment in the education sector and to make Nigerian universities more competitive on the global stage.
According to him, the reopening of Nigeria’s higher education space to foreign universities is part of broader reforms to reposition the system and improve the quality of graduates.
“The decision was taken to allow foreign direct investment in the education sector and to strengthen and make the Nigerian university system more globally competitive,” Ribadu said.
He was represented at the event by Offor Chukwuemeka.
The NUC boss noted that the commission had initiated sweeping reforms that would make graduates of Nigerian universities more attractive globally.
Ribadu explained that partnerships with foreign universities would operate under six competitive modes.
He listed these as “franchise, branch campus, twinning or articulation, open and distance learning, acquisition and teaching institutions.”
He added that the commission had also introduced a code of governance for private universities to ensure uniformity and proper regulation in their operations.
Ribadu said the NUC had embarked on curriculum re-engineering, moving from the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards, as part of efforts to reposition the university system.
“NUC during the curriculum review adopted a 70:30 NUC-to-university ratio for curriculum content,” he said.
“NUC provided 70 per cent of the minimum core courses, which are mandatory for graduation in Nigerian universities, and 30 per cent for universities to customise and align with their unique areas of expertise.”
He also emphasised the acquisition of 21st-century employability skills, commending the management of Gregory University for its strides towards educational transformation in the country.
In his remarks, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, applauded the founder of Gregory University, Professor Gregory Ibe, for his foresight in establishing the institution.
9news Nigeria reports that Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, said the university had made tremendous impacts on many lives and restated the state government’s commitment to educational revolution.
