NUC worries over professional bodies' overreach, seeks harmonised accreditation system

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has expressed concern over the growing trend of professional regulatory bodies conducting independent accreditation and admission-related activities in Nigerian universities without involving the Commission.

The commission emphasised that while professional bodies play a vital role in ensuring quality within their respective fields, they are not authorised to establish academic programmes, determine quotas, or supervise admissions responsibilities, which remain within the NUC’s legal mandate.

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, who stated this at the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN) Monthly Dialogue series, called for improved coordination among regulatory agencies to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.

Ribadu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Academics, Nte Bisong, noted that while the NUC is empowered by law to set minimum academic standards and accredit degree programmes in Nigerian universities, several professional bodies have secured separate legislative mandates from the National Assembly, often without involving the NUC in the process.

The development, he explained, has led to duplication of roles, tension between agencies, and confusion within the university system.

The recent controversy involving the University of Calabar and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) was cited as a case in point, where the NUC said it was not informed of MDCN’s visit or its accreditation exercise at the university.

Ribadu stressed that such actions undermine the commission’s coordinating role and expose students to risks that could affect the recognition of their degrees and future employment prospects.

The situation, he noted, has prompted intervention from the Federal Ministry of Education.

A circular dated May 9, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed that all professional bodies must work in collaboration with the NUC and notify the commission before engaging with any university.