It was a moment of celebration for Nigeria’s education sector as Unique Open University Lagos, one of the recently approved institutions by the National Universities Commission (NUC), received its accreditation.

The milestone was marked by the official presentation of the university’s operational license to its founder and chancellor, Prof. Chris Imumolen — a renowned philanthropist and youth advocate — signalling the institution’s readiness to commence academic activities.

The vital document was handed over to him at the NUC secretariat in Abuja by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu.

Prof. Ribadu commended the university for starting with the number of facilities it has put in place. He emphasized that the NUC’s rigorous accreditation process was designed to ensure that only institutions with adequate infrastructure, qualified personnel, and strong academic frameworks are approved to operate.

According to him, Unique Open University’s compliance with these standards reflects its commitment to providing quality education and bridging the gap between traditional and digital learning models. Ribadu also encouraged the management to maintain excellence in governance and transparency as the university embarks on its academic journey.

In his response, Prof. Imumolen expressed gratitude to the NUC for its confidence in the university’s vision and reiterated his commitment to revolutionising access to higher education in Nigeria.

He noted that Unique Open University was established with the goal of creating flexible, technology-driven learning opportunities for millions of Nigerians who are unable to attend conventional institutions due to financial or logistical barriers. “Our mission is to democratize education, making it available and affordable for everyone regardless of location or status,” he said.

With the license now in hand, Unique Open University is set to begin academic operations, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to meet contemporary global standards. The institution plans to prioritise entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact in its curriculum, aligning education with real-world challenges. Prof. Imumolen affirmed that the university’s approach will not only produce employable graduates but also inspire a new generation of leaders and problem-solvers capable of transforming society.

In Prof. Imumolen’s delegation were his team and members of the university’s Governing Council. While receiving the license, the chancellor expressed gratitude to the NUC for prompt action in inspecting the university project site and carrying out other due diligence processes that led to approval of the provisional license.

He assured that the project will redefine the face of education in Nigeria and in the West African sub-region as it is poised to equip students with hands-on skills to become employable and creators of employment.

Meanwhile, the inauguration, dedication and official opening of the university will take place on Tuesday, 4th November 2025 at its campus, Iyana Isashi Bus Stop, along Lagos Badagry Express Road, Ojo Lagos.

Themed: “Empowering Generations through Knowledge, Innovation, and Opportunity”, Prof. Imumolen will use the opportunity to unveil his team and communicate the vision of the university.