The National Universities Commission has announced the removal of restrictions on the establishment and operation of foreign universities in Nigeria, a move aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into the education sector.
Speaking at the 10th convocation ceremony of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), Abia State, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdulahi Yusufu Ribadu, said the decision was designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s university system.
He was represented at the event by Offor Chukwuemeka.
According to Prof. Ribadu, the Commission has rolled out far-reaching reforms to ensure that graduates of Nigerian universities are well-positioned for global relevance.
He explained that partnerships with foreign institutions would operate under six competitive models: franchise, branch campus, twinning/articulation, open and distance learning, acquisition, and teaching institutions.
He also disclosed that the NUC has introduced a code of governance for private universities to promote standardisation and accountability in their operations nationwide.
As part of broader reforms, the NUC has transitioned from the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards in its curriculum framework.
Prof. Ribadu explained that the new structure allows flexibility while maintaining national standards.
“NUC during the curriculum review adopted a 70:30 NUC:university ratio for curriculum content.
“NUC provided 70 per cent of the minimum core courses, which are mandatory for graduation in Nigerian universities, and 30 per cent for universities to customise and align with their unique areas of expertise.”
He stressed that the reforms are targeted at equipping graduates with 21st-century employability skills, while commending the management of Gregory University for its contributions to educational transformation in the country.
In his goodwill message, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, praised the founder of GUU, Professor Gregory Ibe, for his vision and commitment to education, noting that the institution has positively impacted many lives.
Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to drive an educational revolution.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Cele Njoku, revealed that the institution, which started with just three colleges, has grown to 12 colleges and over 53 departments within 13 years.
She disclosed that all eight programmes submitted to the NUC in 2024 received full accreditation, adding that the university has introduced new courses, including Artificial Intelligence and major foreign languages.
Professor Njoku congratulated the graduating students and urged them to uphold the values of the institution as worthy ambassadors.
The founder of the university, Professor Gregory Ibe, represented by the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, said the vision behind the establishment of GUU was to make quality education accessible to the people.
He expressed satisfaction with the academic achievements of the students and pledged continued support for education, while encouraging the graduands to contribute solutions to societal challenges.
Delivering the valedictory address, the overall best graduating student, Master Onyechere Chinedum Yadirichukwu, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.91, declared, “It is time for us to build the Nigeria we want.”
The 21-year-old accounting graduate from Amagu Ihube, Okigwe, Imo State, who aspires to be a leading voice in the accountancy profession, dedicated his achievement to his parents for their unwavering support and strong foundation.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mba; and the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Imo State, Dr Okenze Sylvester Obinna.
