The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has obtained approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce 12 new full-time undergraduate academic programmes effective from the 2026/2027 academic session. This development was confirmed in a letter dated September 11, 2026, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya. The NUC's approval was granted after a resource verification visit by a panel of experts to assess the university's human and material resources for the proposed programmes.
The newly approved programmes span various fields, including engineering, nuclear science, health, education, and information technology. This expansion enables the University to offer emerging and specialised fields, enhancing its academic portfolio. Some of the approved programmes are B.Eng. Automotive Engineering, B.Eng. Nuclear Engineering, B.Sc. Nuclear Science, B.Sc. Pharmacology, and B.Sc. Health Care Administration and Hospital Management.
The university also received approval for Optometry, B.Ed. Educational Management, with options in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, English and Literary Studies, Political Science, Geography, Social Studies, and Business Education. Additionally, the NUC approved B.Sc. Cyber Security, B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, B.Sc. Data Science, B.Sc. Software Engineering, and B.Sc. Information Technology.
The NUC's approval is limited to the full-time mode of delivery, and the University is required to notify the Commission before commencing part-time delivery or postgraduate components of the programmes. The Commission also emphasised the need for the University to retain the approved titles and nomenclature of the programmes, with any changes requiring NUC approval.
The NUC directed the University to provide adequate human and material resources to support the development and growth of the approved programmes. The letter, signed by Abubakar M. Girei on behalf of the NUC's Executive Secretary, signifies a significant expansion of the University's academic offerings ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.
Prof. Ortuanya, Vice-Chancellor of UNN, welcomed the approval, describing it as a crucial step in the University's efforts to expand opportunities for students and strengthen its capacity to respond to global changes. He assured that the University would ensure the approved programmes are supported with requisite resources in line with NUC standards.
The introduction of these new programmes is expected to enhance the University's academic portfolio and provide students with a wider range of academic choices. The University's efforts to expand its academic offerings reflect its commitment to providing quality education that meets the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Key points
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka secures NUC approval for 12 new undergraduate programmes
- Approved programmes include Nuclear Engineering, Cyber Security, and other emerging fields
- University required to provide adequate resources to support programme development and growth
