UNIBEN Gets NUC Approval for 6 New Courses for 2026/2027 Session — See Full List of Newly Added Programmes

UNIBEN has gotten NUC Approval for 6 New Courses, in bid to Expands Academic Opportunities for Students

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has recorded another major achievement in its drive for academic growth and innovation after receiving approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for six new full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The newly approved programmes are expected to commence from the 2026/2027 academic session, creating more opportunities for students while strengthening the university’s role as a leading institution for professional training, research, and human capital development.

The approval followed a successful Resource Assessment of the proposed programmes by the NUC, confirming that the courses met the required academic standards for implementation.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire (PhD), confirmed the development in a statement released to the media in Benin.

List of New NUC-Approved Programmes at UNIBEN

Among the newly approved undergraduate programmes are two specialised healthcare-related courses: Bachelor in Speech Language Therapy and Bachelor in Occupational Therapy.

The introduction of these programmes is expected to help address the shortage of trained professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare sector by producing graduates with specialised skills to support patients with communication challenges, rehabilitation needs, and improved daily functioning.

Other newly approved undergraduate programmes include:

• B.Sc. International Relations
• B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
• B.Ed. Primary Education
• B.N.Sc. Nursing Science (in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital)

The approval of these programmes reflects UNIBEN’s effort to expand its academic offerings in areas that are increasingly important to national development, including healthcare, education, security, diplomacy, and professional training.

UNIBEN Expands Postgraduate Opportunities in Space Technology and Engineering

Beyond undergraduate programmes, the university’s Centre of Excellence in Space Science Technology and Application has also received approval to offer postgraduate degrees in specialised fields.

The approved postgraduate programmes include:

• Master’s and PhD in Remote Sensing
• Master’s and PhD in Aeronautics Engineering

These programmes are expected to strengthen research capacity in science and technology while creating opportunities for advanced learning in areas connected to space technology, engineering, and innovation.

Supporting Nigeria’s Need for Skilled Professionals

The introduction of the new programmes aligns with ongoing efforts to develop more skilled professionals who can contribute to critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Education stakeholders have continued to emphasise the need for universities to regularly update their academic programmes to reflect changes in technology, industry demands, healthcare needs, and global career trends.

The approval of courses such as Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing Science, Intelligence and Security Studies, and Aeronautics Engineering shows a focus on producing graduates with specialised knowledge and practical skills.

UNIBEN’s Commitment to Academic Excellence

Over the years, the University of Benin has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognised universities, producing professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders across different sectors.

The latest approval further strengthens the university’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and maintaining its position as a centre for academic excellence and innovation.

Speaking on the development, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), appreciated the NUC for approving the programmes and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustaining its position as a first-rate manpower training and development hub.

What the New Programmes Mean for Prospective Students

For prospective UNIBEN students, the approval means more course options and greater opportunities to pursue programmes that match modern career demands.

The new programmes are also expected to increase admission opportunities, attract research partnerships, and provide students with academic pathways linked to emerging professional fields.

With the expansion of its academic portfolio, the University of Benin continues to strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s education sector while preparing graduates for opportunities in an increasingly competitive global environment.