The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given a provisional approval license to a United State based institution, Brigham Young University (BYU)-Pathway Worldwide, an online higher education institution, to operate in Nigeria.

The President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Brian K. Ashton, announced this during a media briefing.

Ashton stated that the institution was eager to extend access to university education to more young Nigerians through a flexible online learning model. “We are grateful to the NUC for recognising BYU. It has been six years in the process. We are grateful to work with everyone in the NUC and they have been very supportive. We hope to serve the people of Nigeria.”

According to Ashton, the institution currently runs eight bachelor’s degree programmes, six of which received direct NUC approval, while the other two are accredited through partner institutions.

Also, Elder Christian Chigbundu of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns and runs BYU-Pathway Worldwide, described the NUC licence as a significant opening for Nigerian youths, regardless of their religious affiliation.

He said the institution goes beyond academic instruction, incorporating life skills development and leadership training into its curriculum.

On cost, Elder Victor Ukorebi said students could complete a bachelor degree programme for about N420,000. He claimed it was deliberately kept low to prioritise access over revenue.

“I can assure you that the quality of education being offered is comparable to what anyone can obtain globally. It may not be a conventional university, but it provides quality American education without leaving Nigeria.”

Speaking earlier during a devotional, Chigbundu said BYU-Pathway Worldwide currently serves around 27,000 students across Africa West Area, with Nigerians accounting for roughly 20,000 of the students. He further said that thousands of students in the region have completed certificate programmes, over 1,000 have earned associate degrees, and more than 400 have graduated with bachelor’s degrees.