The National Universities Commission approved six new full-time undergraduate programs and additional postgraduate courses for the University of Benin [1].
This expansion allows the institution to diversify its academic portfolio and meet growing demand for specialized professional training in Nigeria. The addition of these courses signals a strategic growth phase for the university as it seeks to modernize its curriculum.
According to the NUC, these programs will become effective starting with the 2026/2027 academic session [2]. The approval includes the introduction of a nursing science program, which the university will operate in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital [3].
The university is based in Benin City and aims to leverage this approval to increase its student capacity. By integrating the nursing program with a teaching hospital, the institution intends to provide a more practical, clinical environment for students.
While the NUC has not detailed every specific postgraduate course approved, the overall expansion focuses on aligning the university's offerings with current industry needs. The six undergraduate programs [1] represent a significant addition to the existing faculty structures.
Officials said the move is part of a broader effort to ensure that Nigerian universities provide relevant and competitive degrees. The university will now begin the process of preparing the necessary infrastructure, and staffing, to support the new enrollments for the upcoming session [2].
“The National Universities Commission approved six new full-time undergraduate programs”
The approval of these programs, particularly the nursing science degree, reflects a push toward interdisciplinary collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare providers. By linking the University of Benin with its teaching hospital, the NUC is supporting a model of applied learning that can reduce the gap between theoretical education and clinical practice in the Nigerian health sector.
