The National Universities Commission (NUC) has firmly refuted viral social media claims alleging that Nigeria’s university accreditation process is a mere formality.
In a statement issued Today, the Commission described the assertions as “baseless and misleading,” warning that such narratives endanger the integrity of the country’s higher education system.
The rebuttal follows a post by one Taofik Olatubonsun, which suggested that universities with inadequate staffing still secure full accreditation from the NUC. “This claim is not only false but stems from an uninformed position,” said Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC.
The Commission reaffirmed that staffing is a core component of the accreditation process, evaluated through seven indicators, including verification of staff records during on-site visits. “Presenting temporary staff or falsifying records attracts sanctions,” Ribadu stressed.
He emphasised that the NUC’s peer-review approach—engaging independent subject experts for programme evaluations—has earned global recognition. “Countries like Namibia and Gambia have studied our quality assurance system, and foreign universities often rely on our accreditation for admissions decisions,” he added.
The NUC clarified that for any programme to earn full accreditation, it must achieve at least 70% in four key areas: Academic Matters, Staffing, Physical Facilities, and Library. “Full Accreditation does not mean perfection—it signifies acceptable performance with room for improvement,” Ribadu noted.
The Commission also underscored its internal review and ratification process to validate accreditation outcomes. “We remain committed to producing graduates who meet global standards,” Ribadu assured.
Calling for caution, the NUC urged stakeholders and the public to rely on verified sources. “Spreading unverified claims undermines our education system,” the Commission warned.
Gom Marian – Report
Plateau News Online 