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Tag: NUC

  • NUC bans 57 illegal varsities

    NUC bans 57 illegal varsities

    A LIST of 57 degree-awarding institutions, operating illegally in the country, has been released by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    According to the NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Julius Okojie, the certificates obtained from such institutions would not be accorded recognition for the purpose of election, participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other important functions.

    The commission also said investigation is ongoing another eight institutions. He warned that the owners risk prosecution and would be made to refund the fees collected from students if found guilty.

    The ban by NUC is contained in the commission’s weekly bulletin, the latest of which was released on Tuesday.

    Okojie warned that the patrons and those who subscribe to such illegal institusions do so at their own risk. “Certificates obtained from these sources will not be recognized for the purpose of NYSC, employment and further studies,” the NUC chief said in the bulletin.

     The list includes: University of Accountancy and Management Studies; Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State; University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos; University of applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria; Blacksmith University, Awka and Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.

    Others are: Royal University Izhia, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State;  Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State; Sunday Adokpela University, Otada Adoka, Otukpo, Benue State; United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State; United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State; Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State; UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State; Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State; The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres and Columbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.

    Also affected are: Tiu International University, UK; Pebbles University, UK; London External Studies, UK; Pilgrims University; Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State; West African Christian University; Bolta University College, Aba; JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna; Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State and St. Andrews University College, Abuja.

    Others are: EC- Council University, USA, Ikeja, Lagos Study Centre; Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Concept College/University (London) Ilorin, Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja; Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja; Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State; Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State; Houdegbe North American University Campuses in Nigeria; Atlantic International University, Okija, Anambra State; Open International University, Akure; Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo and Leadway University, Ugheli in Delta State.

    Also banned from operating are: Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja; Southern University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State; Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State; Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja; Temple University; Irish University Business School, London; National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State; University of Accountability and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and its Annex on 41, Ikorodu Road, Lagos; University of Education, Winneba, Ghana and Cape Cost University, Ghana.

    Others are: African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Cotonou, Benin Republic; Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre; Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos; Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko Campus); Career Light Resources Centre, Jos; University of West Africa, Kwali-Abuja, FCT; Coastal University, Iba-Oku, Akwa-Ibom State; Kaduna Business School, Kaduna and Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State.

    The eight institutions listed by the NUC as illegal and currently undergoing investigations and court actions are: National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State; North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State; Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu; Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State; West Coast University, Umuahia; Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, Volta University College, Aba, Abia State and the illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Ali University.

  • NUC rejects online degrees

    NUC rejects online degrees

    • Condemns Maryam Abacha University

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) Thursday warned Nigerians against patronising online universities and other degree awarding institutions operating online saying that any certificate obtained from such institutions is not recognised.

    Speaking at a press conference at the Headquarters of the Commission, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ibrahim Yakasai stressed that degrees obtained online are not accepted in the country.

    He said, “Nigeria will not recognize online degrees. Online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment.”

    This was as he also warned Nigerian students and parents against patronising Maryam Abacha American University, Niger Republic noting that the Commission has been inundated with enquiries from some Nigerian students who had been offered admission in the university.

    He disclosed that the concerned students were offered admissions on part-time with a graduation time of four semesters for programmes like Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health among others.

    “In Nigeria the duration for a full time degree programme is not less than three years for direct entry and at least six years for part-time, while professional programmes in Science, Engineering and Health Sciences including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health are not offered on part-time basis in Nigeria. Also, all part- time cross boarder education in Nigeria is not allowed,” he explained

    Yakasai further lamented that the university admits Nigerian students who do not have the basic requirements to gain admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions in addition to running courses such as Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science on part-time basis which according to him is not acceptable.

    While disclosing that Ghana National Accreditation Board (NAB) has banned 53 tertiary institutions in Ghana some of which Nigerian students run to from advertising and admitting students due to lack of qualification, Yakasai noted that all countries are at liberty to accept or reject certificates from any foreign university they felt is operating below their acceptable standards.

    “We wish to restate that as the only quality assurance agency for universities in Nigeria, the NUC is maintaining its stand that degrees from Maryam Abacha University will not be accepted in Nigeria,” he said.

  • NUC approves courses for Obong varsity

    NUC approves courses for Obong varsity

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of five new programmes for Obong University in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The new programmes, which are to be taught at the Bachelor’s degree level, are Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and Sociology.

    The commission, in a letter signed by Dr Gidado Bello Kumo, said that the approval followed a resource evaluation visit to the institution by panels of experts to assess the human and material resources available for the programmes to take off.

    The NUC said after due consideration of the report submitted by the panel, its management committee, at its 442nd meeting, approved the establishment of the programmes beginning from 2015/2016 session.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Moses Udoudo, hailed the commission for what he described as a thorough and painstaking process, which led to the approval of the programmes. He noted that the feat would strengthen the institution.

    The VC said facilities had been put in place for the easy take off of the new courses.

  • Court dismisses don’s entitlement suit

    The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has dismissed a suit by a university don, Prof. Hussain Abdulkareem, seeking to order the National Universities Commission (NUC) and three other universities to pay him his retirement benefits and entitlements.

    Justice John Peters held that the plaintiff filed the case too late – 25 years after he retired, and that it was caught by the statute of limitation.

    The judge said since he joined a public officer, NUC’s Executive Secretary, in the suit, it should have been filed within three months after his retirement as required by law.

    “The claimant in the instant case for over two decades slept over his right to ventilate his grievances through the judicial process,” the judge said.

    The claimant prayed the court to order the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and University of Abuja (UniAbuja) to pay his entitlements having taught in the three institutions.

    He asked that UNILAG and UNIMAID calculate his retirement benefits and entitlements or get an expert to calculate them, and for UniAbuja to pay his retirement savings of N6.4milliion with Stigma Pension Limited.

    Abdulkareem also wanted interest on the judgment sum at the rate of 25 per cent from November 5, 1989 till verdict and until liquidation of the sum.

    He prayed for N5million as damages for the psychological, emotional and mental trauma he suffered as a result of non-payment of his retirement benefits and entitlements, as well as N2million as legal fees.

    NUC, through its lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Oginni, objected to the suit on the ground that it was statute-barred and therefore null and void.

    The lawyer said NUC’s Executive Secretary is a public officer and as such the three-month time limit within which to institute an action against him had lapsed since the cause of action arose in 1989.

    Dismissing Abdulkareem’s suit, Justice Peters agreed with Oginni and held that the plaintiff filed the suit too late last March having retired more than 25 years ago.

     

     

  • NUC pledges ties

    The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie, has assured the management of IBBUL  of a cordial working relationship in order to enable the institution compete favourably with her peers across the globe.

    Okojie gave the assurance when the university management led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, called on his office in Abuja.

    Okojie underscored the need for stronger collaboration and linkage among universities and NUC if the former are to catch up with best practices of the contemporary competitive world knowledge.

    He advised the university management to always ensure that the Basic Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS) for every programme is strictly adhered to and should also liaise with the commission while planning the introduction of any academic programme for assistance. Earlier, the Prof Maiturare, stated that the visit was intended to seek from NUC, areas that would put the IBBUL on a better standing and to acquaint the commission with the current leadership of the university.

  • Akpabio challenges NUC on workable mechanisms

    Akpabio challenges NUC on workable mechanisms

    •AKSU graduates 42 at maiden convocation 

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio has challenged the National Universities Commission (NUC), to adopt workable mechanisms targeted at handling issues in the society instead of dwelling on mundane theories, which are not helping.

    Akpabio addressed the maiden convocation of the state-owned university over the weekend.  The university graduated 42 out of the 300 admitted into the institution in 2010/2011 academic session.

    His words: “The world is changing and our university system must change in line with current realities. Our universities must change from curricula dwelling on mundane theories, issues that lack ample connectivity with issues at hand and adopt workable mechanisms targeted at handling issues in the society. This is what we expect from the Akwa Ibom State University and other higher institutions in our country.

    Akpabio also spoke on the maiden convocation. “We are gathered here to celebrate the actualisation of a dream, realisation of a vision and the fulfillment of hope. Today, in coming to mark the maiden convocation of our prestigious institution of higher learning – the Akwa Ibom State University, we celebrate that love and passion for education. Furthermore, we mark another  milestone in our uncommon transformation of our dear state and in our efforts in building a vibrant education sector to power the development of our polity.

    “In today’s world, institutions of higher learning proffer solutions to issues in the society and move the society forward through research and development of relevant academic curricula. Our state is transforming into an industrial stage, and it is therefore, expected that our university will play a prime role, through research and expertise in this transformation.”

    Akpabio also congratulated graduating students.

    A breakdown by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eno James Ibanga indicated that two of the 42 graduates had first class, 18 second class upper, 19 second class lower, and three third class.  Ibekwe Eteobong emerging  as best graduating students with a GPA of 4.69.

    Ibanga said the university, which started with three faculties in 2010, now has six approved faculties with 34 departments and 39 degree programmes respectively.

    He said admission intake has been raised from 300 in 2010 to 5000 in the 2014/2015 academic year. To this end, he said 24 out of the 50 indigenes sent abroad for  further studies have returned with PhD to boost the staff strength.

    His words: “At inception, 50 indigenes of  Akwa Ibom State were sent abroad on sponsorship by the state government through the university for their higher degree programmes in Europe, America, Canada, Asian countries, among others in the field of Engineering and Science specialisations. At present, 24 have successfully completed their studies  and have joined us, 22 are still in various parts of the world, while three are undergoing sponsorship training programmes locally.”

  • Uduaghan faults NUC for scrapping weekend programmes

    Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has faulted the scrapping of weekend programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), saying it would deprive youths of tertiary education.

    Uduaghan, who spoke at the ninth convocation of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka said the NUC should first evaluate the advantages of the programmes before scrapping them.

    “I stand here to lend my voice to those calling on NUC not to scrap weekend programmes not because of financial benefits to the universities, but because there are a lot of people out there who will not have the opportunity of having education without weekend programme,” he said.

    The governor congratulated the 7, 806 graduates, who received diplomas, first and higher degrees at the event, challenging them to be good ambassadors of the university.

    Uduaghan said his administration takes education as a priority second to the health sector in its human capital development programme.

    “An uneducated society cannot develop, so we place emphasis on education. We are here to celebrate learning and worthy character and it is because of that I want to congratulate our celebrants today,” he said.

    He commended the host communities of the multiple campuses of DELSU, appealing to them not to exert undue influence on the management of the university on any issue, particularly employment and appointments.

    Earlier, the Pro-chancellor of the University and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, praised Uduaghan for his commitment to the development of the university.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof V. F. Peretomode, said: “Convocation is the ultimate rite of passage that inaugurates graduates into the society as finished academic products of an institution.”

    The overall best graduating student, Michael Ozioma, of the Department of Botany, said success could only be achieved through hard work.

  • We may seek legal action against NUC, says BCL founder

    We may seek legal action against NUC, says BCL founder

    our school, Borough College, in Igboho has been shut down by the NUC because it is an illegal institution. What do you have to say and why were you operating an illegal university?

    It is just an allegation made by a particular Igboho man who didn’t want that institution in that place and we never pretended to be running a university and Borough College did not apply to the NUC as any university. We have these students who are doing what we call a Foundation Course that will allow them to apply to the university if they finish the foundation course,  that is what is happening at Igboho.

    I can confirm that acting on the invitation of the traditional ruler and the community of Igboho, that I have established Borough College London Ltd (RC1244411) registered by Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria, to operate as a Study Centre of Borough College London. Prior to registration in Nigeria, the College obtained a ‘no objection’ approval from Federal Ministry of Education; as part of our application for approval by the Accreditation and Evaluation Division of the Ministry.

    But I saw a couple of Letters of Admission which indicated that the students have been admitted for either a Law or Public Administration degree

    If you look at the letters you will never see it is a degree…

    I saw one that indicated a degree course

    No there is nothing like a degree course, it is foundation course. The idea of a degree was something that was fronted by a particular man at Igboho, I am sure you would have heard about the man, he is the one saying we are running Degree there, it is a foundation course.

    I wish to stress that the approved articles and memorandum of association of the Study Centre never described it as a degree awarding ‘university’; as such, the Study Centre never applied to NUC for any approval or operating license. It is not true (as some may suggest, that the Study Centre picked up a form from NUC, and abandoned processing the form for NUC approval or license. It is, indeed, not true that the College is an ‘illegal university’ operating without approval or license as some may wish to suggest.

    How long is the foundation course?

    It is a year.

    So if it is a Foundation course, how are the students supposed to proceed after that?

    Those who succeed will register on a degree course. These students are international students and they are at the study centre of Borough College based in Nigeria, the Borough College is registered in Nigeria by the Corporate Affairs Commission, it is also approved by the Oyo state government. Our students who finished the foundation course will be qualified to register as Degree students; we have our courses validated by the University called Universidad Azteca.

    Where is this university?

    It is in Mexico,  that is the university that validated Borough College London. Those who finished the foundation course will register on their degree programme.

    Will they do the programme in Igboho too?

    Yes, because they study at our study centre. The degree programme we do at Borough College London is accredited by the university that is all I can say to you.

    Don’t you think you should also register with the NUC because if your students get a degree from this university, will they be qualified to do the mandatory National Youth Service?

    That is the question that is common, the Federal Ministry of Education will evaluate each person’s degree and their degree is accepted anywhere in the world. The university is on the list of UNESCO accredited list of universities.

    The National Universities Commission  acted in concert with ICPC to shut down the Study Centre without due process. The NUC, regrettably, never made any effort to write, email or telephone to invited or transmit any message or to give any notice to the College, but chose to express their concerns by a punitive action; followed by speaking to the press without checking their facts. Had they checked with us, they would have discovered that the College is pursuing a non-NUC Federal Ministry of Education (Accreditation and Evaluation Division) under the Nigerian education law. We chose this track because it is the appropriate channel to secure a Government approval for the Study Centre without the need for applying to become a university with approval from the NUC. We take the view that we already work with an international university with degree awarding powers.

    You made allusions to Prof. Dibu Ojerinde as being the one behind the travails of your college, do you have any proof?

    He has done it before.

    Really, tell me exactly what he did?

    I just don’t want to get involved in the local [politics there, but he is the one who tried to shut it since September last year. He organized the second attack on the college. I think it has to do with their local politics and not on the legality of the college, we are registered in Nigeria. It is a government approved school although it is not a university, we don’t pretend to operate a university, that is why we called it a study centre because the students could not come to London to run this study. As a matter of fact, it was the town that invited me to come and establish that study centre.

    I was invited by their town union and I came to Nigeria, they invited me and they told me that had tried to get this man to do something but he wouldn’t and that is why they pushed for this. It was one indigene of Igboho that came to London to come and organize this programme.

    The school is big and registered by the Nigerian government as a corporate entity, we didn’t just start, we got approval from Oyo state government and the international programmes we are running there will lead to certificates from the Universidad Azteca.

    Before the shutdown of the school, how many student were there?

    The proper person to answer that is Dr. Ayeni or Mr. Solomon.

    What is the next step for you and the students?

    What we intend to do, the local management there will decide what to do. As far as we are concerned; the school is not an illegal school. International programmes are not illegal. You rightly mentioned Prof Dibu Ojerinde, he is the one who did not want the school, initially he went to the State Security Services (SSS), they came and tried to do the same thing but when they saw the paperwork, they encouraged the school to continue. He wasn’t happy with that  and that is why he has done this second. What we are doing is perfectly legal, Borough College does not award degree. The students we have there are foundational students and at the end of their course we register them on our own degree programme from the University that is accredited to do that and the degree is recognised all over the world including Nigeria.

    Unfortunately, the NUC has brought about a situation whereby the supremacy of two Nigerian laws and the two organs of government; thereby instigating a possible court case that is already being considered by the Study Centre’s barristers who are authorised to take it up with the appropriate Nigerian Authorities.

     

  • How AAU can grow, by NUC

    How AAU can grow, by NUC

    The National Universities Commission (NUC), has outlined measures to be taken for the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, to grow.

    It said the management of the 35-year-old university should pay attention to quality of its workers, facilities and intake of students as well as the environment where teaching and learning take place.

    Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, said this at the 19th convocation of the university held last Saturday.

    Okojie, who was represented by Deputy Executive Secretary, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, urged the institution to judiciously utilise funds it gets through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

    He said funds from TETFund should be used to build commodious buildings and invest in research and staff development.

    Okojie called for the construction of more hostels within the campus through the ‘Build, Operate and Transfer’ system to solve accommodation problems of students.

    Warning students to check approved programmes with the commission before applying to universities, Okojie said any student that studies in unapproved programmes would not be mobilised for NYSC and the certificates not recognised for the purpose of unemployment.

    On his part, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, said the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku, has turned around the fortunes of the university.

    He said: “I have a fair recollection of the state of this university before Prof. Cordelia took over affairs of the university. The worst critic of this VC will agree that he has run this university effectively. Cordelia has given her own to the university that made her with very meager resources.

    “Before she took over as the Vice Chancellor, it was either one problem of students’ riot to staff protests.  But she has demonstrated uncommon courage, fearlessness, prudence and accountability in managing the university’s fund and brought in so much peace and stability.”

    Those honoured by the university included Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, (Doctor of Letters) and business mogul, Chief Lee Ikpea, who bagged the Doctor of Business Administration degree.

    Founder of Believers Love World, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome who was to be honoured with a degree of Doctor of Science, was absent but a special event would be organised for him at a later day.

    A N5billion endowment fund was launched at the ceremony.

     

  • A word for NUC

    Just like countries where there are universities and degree-awarding institutions, they are organisations, either private or public, accorded the constitutional duty of coordinating and managing the affairs of those institutions.

    The major objective, of course, is for the universities to flourish, impart learning and character and, ultimately, improve the human condition. Nigeria prides in one: the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    This body was established in 1962 to oversee the universities and other institutions. The NUC is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Education and in its 53 years of existence, the commission has transformed significantly from a small and scanty bureau in the Cabinet Office to an important agency of the government in the development and management of university education.

    NUC, inter alia, plays the following pivotal roles: granting approval for academic programmes in universities, giving approval for the establishment of all higher educational institutions offering degree programmes in universities, ensuring quality assurance of academic programmes in universities and a channel for all external support to the universities.

    It is necessary to point out that NUC is performing below expectation. This can be deduced from the fact that the commission is regressing rather than progressing. The report of the recently conducted study by the Times Higher Education’s World University Ranking, titled: World University Ranking 2013-2014 made it clear because none of the over 100 Nigerian universities made the list of 400 top universities in the world. But three South African universities made it. This is a serious indictment on a nation which prides itself as a continent’s giant. Also, out of the 100 most reputable universities in the world, no African university made the list. This is quite unfortunate, a sad, shameful and painful incident as well as a challenge that must be drastically addressed.

    At present, the global impression is that our educational certificates or degrees are of no value and that the country cannot provide good university education that can  match other world universities. But it is a pertinent question that still lingers in the minds of most Nigerians: what is the NUC doing with this discovery?

    The fault may be attributed to the government due to its lackadaisical attitudes and negligence of the education sector but attitudes of the NUC count much more in this case of university education collapse. Taking the third function of the commission, which is premised on  ensuring quality assurance of academic programmes offered in universities, we cannot admit that quality has been maintained so far. Otherwise, many of our universities should be soaring to high heavens.

    Basically, NUC is the source of all these problems because where it is supposed to act seriously, it does not. And one wonders if the agency lacks autonomy to paddle its own canoe. Why this skepticism? Some of the practices of our institutions are, at best, disgusting. Take, for instance, a case where a professor at Bayero University, Kano, who was awarded professorship of another discipline other than his primary constituency. That is laughable and only makes mockery of our system.  The man first obtained professorship in Biological Science Education and later in Media and Cultural Communication. May I ask: what is the line of connection between the two disciplines? The parallel lines are so wide. The only but flimsy excuse put forward was that the man has passion and interest in the second discipline because he has ventured into research and presented papers in the latter discipline. This act is rarely seen in the countries that have advanced educationally. Why would you give a man what he has not worked for?

    The implication is that the man does not have sound background knowledge whatsoever in the second discipline he is awarded professorship. And, of course, this will mar the Nigeria’s struggle to attain the glory it wants to accomplish in the education sector of producing good and useful graduates who can stand shoulder-high at the global stage.  The professor has nothing to offer his students because he is not an expert in the field. Indeed, the act betrays professionalism and specialisation. While it is categorically stated by NUC that no one should be awarded professor in a field of study unless he has a minimum of two degrees in the field – Masters and PhD, the man in this case has not even a diploma in the field. Yet, NUC has done nothing about that, despite the devastating problems it may cause. Such laxity undermines the quality of teaching as well as tarnishes the image of not only the universities but the country at large.

    Another great cause for concern is that during accreditation, the NUC staff seem to forget their thinking caps and neglect due diligence. By now, Nigerian universities should have advanced, especially in academic and infrastructure. Yet, management misuses the institution’s resources and forget to build infrastructure. And instead of sanction, NUC gives them a pat on the back. That is not how to make our educational system a reference point in the comity of world universities.

    I urge the NUC to sit up and work assiduously so that our universities would reclaim their lost glory and become a veritable hub of civilisation and development.

     

    • Sani, Mass Comm., NSUK