The National Universities Commission (NUC) has lifted the embargo on the establishment and operation of foreign universities in Nigeria to attract foreign direct investment and boost global competitiveness. NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, disclosed this at the 10th convocation of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, noting that the decision aligns with reforms to reposition Nigeria’s university system.
Represented by Offor Chukwuemeka, Ribadu said partnerships would operate under six modes, including franchise, branch campus, and open and distance learning. He added that NUC introduced a governance code for private universities and re-engineered curricula from BMAS to CCMAS, adopting a 70:30 ratio. “NUC provided 70 per cent of the minimum core courses… and 30 per cent for universities to customise.”
NUC commended Gregory University for promoting 21st-century employability skills, as Governor Alex Otti praised its impact on education. Vice Chancellor Professor Cele Njoku said the university has grown to 12 colleges with over 53 departments, while best graduating student Onyechere Chinedum Yadirichukwu, with a 4.91 CGPA, said, “It is time for us to build the Nigeria we want.”