The National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally authorized the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to expand its academic offerings with the establishment of five new undergraduate programmes. This milestone was confirmed in an official communication dated February 3, 2026, signed by Abubakar M. Girei, the Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
The approval is a direct result of a rigorous resource verification exercise conducted by a panel of NUC experts. During the visit, the commission assessed the university’s human capital—specifically the qualifications of academic staff—and its material resources, including specialized laboratories, departmental libraries, and lecture facilities. Having met the national benchmarks for these disciplines, the university is now cleared to admit students into these fields starting from the 2025/2026 academic session.
Approved Undergraduate Programmes
The five new courses are strategically selected to address contemporary professional needs in Nigeria, ranging from media and communications to public health and governance.
B.Sc. Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) This programme is designed to tackle critical public health challenges by training experts in environmental health and sustainable water management.
B.Sc. Journalism and Media Studies Focusing on the evolving landscape of news gathering and digital storytelling, this course prepares students for the multifaceted world of modern journalism.
B.Sc. Broadcasting Tailored for students interested in radio, television, and digital audio-visual production, this programme provides specialized technical and creative training.
B.Sc. Local Government and Development Studies This course aims to strengthen the administrative capacity of the third tier of government by training professionals in rural development and grassroots administration.
B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies A curriculum that blends historical analysis with international relations, preparing graduates for roles in the foreign service, international NGOs, and global policy analysis.
NUC Regulatory Terms and Conditions
The approval carries specific regulatory weight that the university must adhere to strictly. The NUC has stipulated that these programmes are currently authorized for full-time mode only. The university is prohibited from offering these courses on a part-time or distance-learning basis without a separate resource verification and a new notification of approval from the commission.
Furthermore, the NUC emphasized that the university must maintain the approved titles and nomenclature. Any attempt to rename a programme or merge it with another department without prior written consent from the Commission would be a violation of regulatory standards. The University of Maiduguri is also expected to sustain and increase its investment in these departments to ensure they grow in line with the increasing student population.
Strategic Impact on UNIMAID
For the University of Maiduguri, often referred to as the "Great UNIMAID," these new programmes represent a significant leap in its mission to provide diverse educational opportunities. By introducing specialized media courses and the highly relevant WASH programme, the university is positioning its graduates to be more competitive in the 21st-century job market. This expansion also reinforces the institution's role as a leading center of excellence in the Northeast region.