The landscape of higher education in Nigeria has reached a significant milestone with the formal announcement from the National Universities Commission (NUC) granting the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) approval to establish five new undergraduate programmes. This development, communicated via an official letter dated February 3, 2026, represents a strategic expansion for the “Great UNIMAID,” an institution that has long served as a beacon of academic excellence in the Northeast and beyond. Signed by Abubakar M. Girei, the Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, this authorization is the culmination of rigorous institutional assessment and resource verification.

The approval is not merely an administrative formality but a testament to the university’s resilience and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the global labor market. By introducing specialized disciplines in media, public health, governance, and international relations, UNIMAID is positioning itself to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also professionally relevant in a rapidly changing 21st-century economy.

The NUC Resource Verification: A Precursor to Excellence

Before any Nigerian university can launch a new department or programme, it must undergo a stringent Resource Verification exercise conducted by the NUC. For these five new programmes at UNIMAID, a panel of experts—comprising seasoned academics and industry specialists—visited the main campus to conduct an audit of the university’s readiness.

This audit focused on three critical areas:

1. Human Capital: Ensuring that the proposed departments are staffed by a sufficient number of professors, senior lecturers, and technical staff with specialized qualifications in the respective fields.

2. Physical Infrastructure: Verifying the availability of purpose-built lecture halls, specialized laboratories (especially for the Broadcasting and WASH programmes), and departmental libraries stocked with contemporary research materials.

3. Curriculum Alignment: Confirming that the course outlines align with the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) or the newer Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) mandated by the NUC to ensure national and international parity.

The successful outcome of this visit, as noted in the February 3rd letter, confirms that UNIMAID has surpassed the minimum requirements, ensuring that the pioneer students of these programmes will receive a top-tier education.

Profiles of the Newly Approved Programmes

The five approved programmes reflect a mix of contemporary professional demands and traditional academic depth. They are scheduled to commence officially from the 2025/2026 academic session.

1. B.Sc. Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

In the wake of global health challenges and the push for Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), the introduction of the WASH programme is timely. This discipline focuses on the intersection of public health, environmental engineering, and social behavior. Graduates will be equipped to manage water resources, design sanitation systems, and lead hygiene promotion initiatives in both urban and rural settings. Given Maiduguri’s strategic position in the Lake Chad Basin, this programme will be instrumental in addressing regional environmental and health challenges.

2. B.Sc. Journalism and Media Studies

As the digital age redefines how information is consumed, the need for ethical, skilled journalists has never been greater. This programme moves beyond traditional news writing to incorporate digital storytelling, multimedia journalism, and media ethics. It aims to produce professionals capable of navigating the complexities of the “Information Age” while upholding the core tenets of truth and objectivity.

3. B.Sc. Broadcasting

While journalism covers the broader spectrum of media, the B.Sc. in Broadcasting is a specialized technical and creative track. It focuses on radio, television, and film production, as well as digital podcasting and live streaming. UNIMAID’s investment in modern studios will allow students to gain hands-on experience in scriptwriting, sound engineering, and on-air presentation, filling a significant gap in the media industry within Northern Nigeria.

4. B.Sc. Local Government and Development Studies

Effective governance at the grassroots level is essential for national development. This programme is designed to train a new generation of administrators specialized in the third tier of government. The curriculum covers rural sociology, local government law, public finance, and community development strategies. It is an ideal path for those looking to pursue careers in the civil service, local government councils, or development-focused NGOs.

5. B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies

Merging the analytical depth of history with the practical nuances of international relations, this programme offers a robust foundation for future diplomats, policy analysts, and historians. Students will study global power dynamics, international law, and the historical contexts of modern conflicts. This discipline is vital for producing thinkers who can navigate Nigeria’s foreign policy and international engagements with a deep understanding of the past.

Regulatory Terms, Conditions, and Nomenclature

The NUC approval is accompanied by specific “Terms and Conditions” that the University of Maiduguri must strictly observe to maintain its accreditation status.

Full-Time Mode Exclusive The Commission has clarified that the current approval covers full-time mode only. This means that these programmes can only be offered through the traditional, on-campus academic schedule. The university is explicitly prohibited from offering these courses via part-time, sandwich, or distance-learning modes without seeking a separate resource verification and subsequent notification from the Commission.

Strict Adherence to Nomenclature The NUC is the sole authority on the naming of academic degrees in Nigeria. The letter emphasized that the programmes must bear only the approved titles and nomenclature. For instance, “Journalism and Media Studies” cannot be unilaterally changed to “Mass Communication” or any other variation. Any deviation from these titles requires a fresh application and approval from the Commission. This ensures uniformity across the Nigerian University System (NUS) and aids in the seamless verification of degrees by employers and foreign institutions.

The Road Ahead: Resource Sustainability and Growth

With the approval secured, the NUC has “enjoined” the University of Maiduguri to continue providing adequate resources for these new departments. Academic growth is a dynamic process; as the student population in these programmes grows, the university must ensure a corresponding increase in faculty hiring and infrastructure expansion.

For prospective students, this approval opens new doors. Those who sat for the recent UTME or are looking for “Change of Course” opportunities should monitor the UNIMAID portal and the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). The entry requirements will typically follow the standard NUC guidelines: five O’Level credits (including English and Mathematics) in relevant subjects, and a competitive UTME score in the required subject combination.

Conclusion: A New Era for UNIMAID

The establishment of these five programmes marks a new era for the University of Maiduguri. It signifies an institution that is not stagnant but is actively evolving to remain at the forefront of Nigerian higher education. By diversifying into WASH, modern media, and specialized diplomacy, UNIMAID is fulfilling its mandate to produce versatile graduates capable of contributing to national development and global progress.

As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, the university community—staff, students, and prospective applicants—has much to celebrate. The “Great UNIMAID” continues to grow, and with this NUC approval, the future of its academic landscape looks brighter than ever.