The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved thirteen new degree programmes for Nigerian universities as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen academic relevance and align higher education with global trends.
In a circular dated 22nd October 2025, and signed by the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, the Commission announced that the new programmes have been developed as an addendum to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
According to the NUC, experts from across the Nigerian University System participated in the development of 70% of the curriculum components, which were completed in March 2025.
The newly approved programmes are:
- B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence
- B.Ed. Classical Christian Education
- B.Ed. Human Kinetics (Sport Management)
- B.Eng. Geomatics Engineering
- B.CH.S. Community Health Science
- B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
- B.Sc. Islamic Economics and Finance
- B.Sc. Parasitology and Entomology
- B.Eng. Telecommunication Science
- B.Sc. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
- B.Sc. Cooperative Economics and Management
- B.Sc. Nuclear Science
- B.Eng. Nuclear Engineering
The Commission directed universities to circulate the approved CCMAS documents to all relevant faculties, departments, and academic planning units. It also instructed institutions to ensure the development of the 30% institutional-based curriculum components in line with NUC standards.
Universities intending to offer the new programmes are expected to commence implementation from the 2026/2027 academic session, after undergoing a resource assessment visit by the Commission.
Prof. Ribadu reaffirmed NUC’s commitment to strengthening quality assurance mechanisms, enhancing academic relevance, and promoting innovation-driven education in Nigeria.