In a significant policy shift aimed at streamlining the accreditation process within Nigerian universities, the Federal Government has directed all professional bodies to cease independent accreditation of academic programmes. This directive mandates that henceforth, all accreditations must be coordinated through the National Universities Commission (NUC), the statutory body responsible for university education regulation in Nigeria.

This move addresses concerns over the proliferation of multiple accreditation exercises conducted by various professional bodies, which have been deemed redundant and burdensome to institutions of higher learning.

Background: The Issue of Multiple Accreditations

Over recent years, Nigerian universities have faced increasing demands from various professional bodies conducting separate accreditation processes for academic programmes. These overlapping exercises have led to:

• Resource Strain: Universities have had to allocate significant time, personnel, and financial resources to accommodate multiple accreditation visits.

• Conflicting Standards: Discrepancies in accreditation criteria among different bodies have created confusion and inconsistency in programme evaluations.

• Administrative Burden: The need to prepare for numerous accreditation assessments has diverted attention from core academic and research activities.

Recognizing these challenges, the Federal Ministry of Education observed the growing trend of such duplications and deemed it necessary to implement a more coordinated approach.

The New Directive: Centralizing Accreditation

In a circular dated May 9, 2025, addressed to all vice-chancellors, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, conveyed the new policy approved by the Minister of Education. The circular states:

“The National Universities Commission is in receipt of the attached letter… informing it of the Ministry’s observation of the increasing trend of multiple accreditations of academic programmes in Nigerian Universities by various professional bodies, independent of the National Universities Commission.”

Consequently, the directive stipulates:

• Cessation of Independent Accreditations: All professional bodies are no longer permitted to conduct independent accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities.

• Collaboration with NUC: Professional bodies must now collaborate with the NUC in the accreditation process, ensuring a unified and standardized evaluation system.

Exceptions: Regulatory Bodies Granted Waivers

While the directive applies broadly, certain regulatory bodies have been granted waivers to continue their accreditation activities in collaboration with the NUC. These bodies include:

1. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)

2. Council of Legal Education (CLE)

3. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria

4. Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)

5. Veterinary Council of Nigeria

6. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)

7. Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON)

These exceptions recognize the specialized nature of certain professions and the necessity for specific regulatory oversight to maintain professional standards.

Rationale Behind the Policy Change

The decision to centralize accreditation processes stems from several considerations:

• Quality Assurance: A unified accreditation system under the NUC ensures consistent standards across all universities, enhancing the credibility of Nigerian degrees both domestically and internationally.

• Efficiency: Streamlining the accreditation process reduces redundancy, allowing universities to focus more on teaching and research activities.

• Cost Reduction: Minimizing multiple accreditation exercises alleviates financial pressures on universities, enabling better allocation of resources.

Reactions from Stakeholders

The policy shift has elicited varied responses from stakeholders within the education sector.

Supportive Views:

Many university administrators and academic staff have welcomed the directive, citing relief from the administrative and financial burdens of multiple accreditations. They believe that a centralized system will foster a more coherent and manageable accreditation process.

Concerns Raised:

Some professional bodies have expressed apprehension about the potential dilution of professional standards. They argue that their independent accreditation processes are tailored to the specific competencies required in their respective fields and are essential for maintaining the integrity of professional practice.

Implications for Universities and Professional Bodies

For Universities:

• Simplified Processes: Universities will now engage primarily with the NUC for accreditation matters, reducing the complexity of dealing with multiple bodies.

• Resource Optimization: Institutions can reallocate resources previously used for multiple accreditations to other critical areas such as infrastructure development and faculty training.

For Professional Bodies:

• Collaborative Engagement: Professional bodies will need to work closely with the NUC to ensure that their specific standards are integrated into the centralized accreditation process.

• Adaptation: These bodies may need to adjust their evaluation frameworks to align with the NUC’s accreditation procedures.

Conclusion

The Federal Government’s directive to halt independent accreditation of university programmes by professional bodies marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the quality and efficiency of higher education in Nigeria. By centralizing the accreditation process through the NUC, the policy aims to establish uniform standards, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

While the transition may pose challenges, particularly for professional bodies accustomed to independent operations, the collaborative model envisaged promises a more streamlined and effective accreditation system that benefits all stakeholders in the long run.