The management of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) is delighted to announce that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially approved the establishment of a Faculty of Law at the University.

This exciting development means that AKSU’s academic structure has now expanded to include 11 Faculties, further strengthening the University’s commitment to providing quality education and diverse academic opportunities for students across Nigeria and beyond.

NUC’s Approval Process

The approval was granted after a careful and thorough resource verification exercise conducted by an NUC panel. This exercise was aimed at assessing the University’s readiness to start the Law programme.

During the verification visit, the NUC panel evaluated AKSU’s staff strength, teaching facilities, learning environment, library resources, and classroom infrastructure. After reviewing all the evidence, the NUC expressed satisfaction with the University’s level of preparedness and officially granted approval for the new programme.

In a letter dated November 10, 2025, and addressed to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor OtoAbasi E. Akpan, the NUC confirmed that the University is authorised to commence the full-time Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme at the Main Campus beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.

The letter stated:

“I am directed to inform the Vice-Chancellor that the Executive Secretary has considered and approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the LL.B Law Programme to be run in the Main Campus of the University with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.”

Structure of the New Faculty of Law

The newly established Faculty of Law at AKSU will begin with three departments, namely:

1. Private and Property Law

2. Jurisprudence and International Law

3. Commercial and Industrial Law

These departments will offer a broad range of courses designed to give students a solid foundation in both Nigerian and international legal systems. The programme will equip students with critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills that are essential for successful legal practice and policy development.

The Faculty will also emphasize ethics, justice, and fairness, ensuring that graduates of AKSU Law are not only competent professionals but also responsible citizens dedicated to truth and service to society.

NUC’s Expectation

The NUC has also advised the University to continue providing the necessary human and material resources required for the steady growth of the Faculty.

The University is expected to fully adhere to the provisions of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Nigerian universities. These standards are designed to ensure that every Law graduate in Nigeria meets national and international expectations in the practice of law.

By following these standards, AKSU aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also highly skilled, ethical, and capable of contributing meaningfully to the legal profession and the development of the country.

Leadership and Achievements Under the Acting Vice-Chancellor

This great milestone is one of the many achievements recorded under the leadership of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor OtoAbasi E. Akpan.

In just three months in office, Professor Akpan has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to academic growth and excellence. Under his administration, the University has achieved remarkable progress, including:

• The creation of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, which houses six departments.

• The establishment of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, which includes five departments.

• The successful accreditation and resource verification of more than 30 postgraduate programmes and several undergraduate programmes.

• The establishment of over 30 Institutes and Centres, all aimed at promoting research, innovation, and funding opportunities within the University.

These achievements clearly show that AKSU, under Professor Akpan’s leadership, is moving in a direction of rapid academic and infrastructural growth.

AKSU’s Commitment to Excellence

The management of Akwa Ibom State University expresses its deep appreciation to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the confidence shown in the institution and for approving the new Faculty of Law.

This approval is not just a recognition of AKSU’s hard work and dedication, but also a challenge to continue upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, discipline, and professionalism.

The University remains committed to:

• Providing world-class education in all its programmes.

• Ensuring that students have access to modern learning facilities and qualified lecturers.

• Promoting research and innovation that will contribute to national development.

• Producing graduates who are competent, ethical, and employable.

The Faculty of Law will soon begin admission of new students into its LL.B programme for the 2025/2026 academic session. This development is expected to attract more brilliant minds to the University, as Law remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after fields of study in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Faculty of Law at Akwa Ibom State University marks a major step forward in the University’s mission to provide comprehensive and quality education. It shows AKSU’s continuous growth as a leading institution in Nigeria’s higher education system.

The University Management encourages all staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University to celebrate this success and continue supporting the institution as it strives for greater excellence in teaching, research, and community service.

Once again, the management extends heartfelt gratitude to the NUC for its support and approval, and reaffirms AKSU’s dedication to maintaining high academic standards in all its programmes.

Signed:
📄 The Directorate of Information
Public Relations and Protocol
(Office of the Vice-Chancellor)
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)