The Federal Government has directed an immediate end to the practice of multiple accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities by professional bodies operating independently of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The directive follows observations by the Federal Ministry of Education concerning the increasing trend of overlapping accreditation exercises in higher education institutions across the country.
In a circular dated May 9 2025, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, conveyed the directive—approved by the Minister of Education—to all Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities.
The circular stated: “The National Universities Commission receives the attached letter, Ref. FME/DUE/206/T/191 dated May 9 2025, from the Federal Ministry of Education informing it of the Ministry’s observation of the increasing trend of multiple accreditations of academic programmes in Nigerian universities by various professional bodies, independent of the National Universities Commission.
“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.”
However, the statement clarified that certain statutory regulatory bodies have been granted waivers to continue their oversight functions in collaboration with the NUC. These include the 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), and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.
“Consequently, I am to forward the attached to all Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities for your attention and necessary action,” the circular concluded.
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