NUC Approves Six New Degree Programmes, Postgraduate Courses for UNIBEN

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved six new full-time undergraduate programmes and additional postgraduate courses for the University of Benin (UNIBEN), further expanding the institution's academic offerings ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.

The approval followed a successful resource assessment exercise conducted by the Commission to evaluate the university's readiness to establish and sustain the proposed programmes.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the university's Public Relations Officer, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire, who described the approval as another major milestone in UNIBEN's commitment to academic excellence and manpower development.

According to the statement, the newly approved undergraduate programmes cover critical areas in healthcare, education, international affairs and security studies.

Among the programmes approved by the NUC are Bachelor of Science degrees in Speech Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, two specialised disciplines considered vital to addressing the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

Mrs Ehanire noted that the introduction of the programmes aligns with ongoing reforms championed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aimed at strengthening professional capacity within the country's healthcare sector.

"The programmes align with the policy initiative of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, aimed at training skilled manpower to address the shortage of professionals in both fields within Nigeria's healthcare sector," she stated.

Other undergraduate programmes approved by the Commission include Bachelor of Science degrees in International Relations and Intelligence and Security Studies, Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, and Bachelor of Nursing Science.

The Nursing Science programme will be run in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), providing students with access to practical clinical training and professional healthcare experience.

In addition to the undergraduate programmes, the university's Centre of Excellence in Space Science Technology and Applications has also secured approval to commence postgraduate studies in highly specialised fields.

The centre will now offer Master's and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Remote Sensing and Aeronautics Engineering, further positioning the institution as a key player in advanced scientific research and technological innovation.

The approval is expected to enhance Nigeria's capacity in aerospace research, environmental monitoring, geospatial technology and aviation-related studies.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edoba Omoregie, expressed appreciation to the National Universities Commission for its confidence in the institution.

According to the university spokesperson, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the institution's commitment to maintaining its reputation as one of Nigeria's leading centres for teaching, research and human capital development.

He stated that UNIBEN would continue to strengthen its academic programmes and expand opportunities for students in response to evolving national and global development needs.

The latest approval further reinforces the university's position as one of Nigeria's foremost higher institutions, with a growing portfolio of programmes designed to support workforce development, innovation and national growth.