The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially approved five new undergraduate degree programmes for the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), strengthening the institution’s academic offerings.

The approval applies to programmes to be run at the university’s main campus and takes effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

Details of the NUC Approval

According to an official approval letter dated February 3, 2026, the Commission gave the green light after a successful resource verification exercise. During the visit, NUC-appointed experts assessed UNIMAID’s academic staff strength, facilities, and other essential resources required to run the proposed programmes.

The letter was signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary.

List of Newly Approved Programmes (Full-Time)

The following full-time undergraduate programmes have been approved:

• B.Sc. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
  
• B.Sc. Journalism and Media Studies
  
• B.Sc. Broadcasting
  
• B.Sc. Local Government and Development Studies
  
• B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies
  

These programmes expand UNIMAID’s offerings across media studies, governance, environmental health, and the humanities.

When the Programmes Will Begin

NUC has directed that all five programmes commence from the 2025/2026 academic session. This session is to be regarded as the official starting point for admissions, teaching, and departmental development.

Mode of Study: Full-Time Only

The Commission made it clear that the approval covers full-time study only. UNIMAID is not permitted to run any of the programmes on a part-time basis unless it applies for and receives fresh approval from the NUC.

Approved Programme Titles Must Be Maintained

In its directive, the NUC emphasized that the programmes must retain their approved names. Any alteration in title or nomenclature will require formal clearance from the Commission.

As stated in the approval letter:

“The programmes shall bear only the approved titles and nomenclature, and any change will require the approval of the Commission.”

Expectations from UNIMAID

NUC has further advised the university to sustain adequate human and material resources to ensure the steady growth and proper development of the newly approved programmes. This includes qualified academic staff, learning facilities, and instructional materials.

Final Note

This approval marks another significant milestone for the University of Maiduguri as it continues to broaden its academic scope and respond to emerging national and global needs. Prospective students can now look forward to more study options beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.