The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, on Friday, 31 July 2026, presented Provisional Licences to two newly approved private universities, Sani Bello University, Kontagora, Niger State, and Omega University, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
Presenting the licences to the promoters of the institutions, Professor Ribadu congratulated them on the achievement, noting that the presentation marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as the institutions had moved from the proposal stage to becoming established universities in the Nigerian University System.
He explained that the licences were provisional and subject to a three-year probationary period, after which the Federal Government, through the NUC, would conduct a special monitoring exercise to assess the institutions’ governance structures, quality and adequacy of academic staff, student enrolment, library resources, physical facilities, learning environment and other relevant components.
According to him, the findings of the monitoring exercise would be presented to the NUC Management for consideration and a decision taken on whether to grant the institutions full operational licences or withdraw their provisional status, in accordance with established regulatory mechanisms.
Professor Ribadu disclosed that the Federal University of Technology, Minna, had been appointed the mentor institution for Sani Bello University, while Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, would serve as the mentor institution for Omega University.
He clarified that the mentoring relationship was not one of master and servant, but that of an older brother guiding a younger one. He explained that the mentor universities would assist the new institutions with the moderation of examination results, quality assurance and other academic matters. They would also serve as advisers during interviews and related activities to promote transparency, clarity and quality in recruitment without determining whom the universities should employ.
Speaking on Sani Bello University, the Executive Secretary noted that the institution would commence with a range of academic programmes, particularly in Computing, including Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, as well as Management Sciences such as Finance, Business Administration and Economics.
He expressed confidence that the university would be able to manage the programmes effectively, while emphasising that admission into the institution would be conducted strictly through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), notwithstanding its status as a private university.
Professor Ribadu advised both institutions to advertise their programmes and admit students in accordance with JAMB guidelines, particularly to enable prospective students seeking to change to the new universities to do so through the appropriate processes.
He further reminded the universities that they must undergo mandatory resource verification by the NUC before commencing the approved programmes. The exercise, he explained, would determine the readiness and adequacy of their human and material resources.
The Executive Secretary therefore urged the institutions to apply promptly for resource verification if they intended to admit students for the 2026/2027 academic session, noting that the NUC admission portal would close on 30 November 2026.
Addressing the issue of requests for new academic programmes, Professor Ribadu noted the increasing number of applications from universities, particularly for emerging programmes such as Artificial Intelligence. He advised institutions to take note of the time-bound nature of programme approval and resource verification processes, especially as they relate to admission deadlines.
He assured the two universities of the Commission’s readiness to provide the necessary regulatory guidance to enable them to commence operations on a sound footing. He also encouraged their management teams to engage the NUC whenever they encountered challenges and to familiarise themselves with relevant Directorates, particularly Academic Planning, Inspection and Monitoring, and Accreditation.
In their separate remarks, the promoters of Sani Bello University and Omega University, Dr. Usman Bello and Rev. Yetunde Bolanta, respectively, expressed appreciation to the NUC for the support and guidance that had enabled their institutions to reach the licensing stage.
Dr. Bello said the establishment of Sani Bello University was driven by a longstanding family commitment to education, noting that the family already operates a school which recently celebrated its 45th anniversary. He expressed optimism that the university would build on the family’s experience in education to provide quality learning opportunities for the next generation.
Rev. Bolanta explained that the investment by the Church in the education sector was aimed at providing social services and affordable, quality education to society. She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the development of education in Nigeria while adhering to the guidance and regulatory requirements of the NUC.
Both promoters expressed confidence in the mentoring arrangements with the designated universities and assured the Commission of their commitment to maintaining the required standards. Members of the Sani Bello University Management team included Dr. Zakari Ikani, Engr. Emmanuel Janah, Mr. Babangida Aliyu and Mr. Shetu Yakubu, while the Omega University Management team comprised Pastor Christian Bolanta, Professor Seth Akutson, Pastor Ikani Joel, Pastor Markigi, Pastor Stephanie M. Attah, Rev. Joseph J. Hayab and Mr. Austin Agbo Emmanuel.