AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY SECURES NUC APPROVAL FOR 16 NEW UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

The Management of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has reached a historic milestone in its academic evolution following the official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce sixteen (16) new undergraduate degree programmes. This expansion, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session, represents a strategic move to diversify the institution’s curriculum and address the growing demand for specialized professional training in Nigeria’s labor market.

The approval follows a rigorous resource verification exercise conducted by NUC officials, who assessed the university’s readiness in terms of physical infrastructure, specialized laboratories, library resources, and the quality of academic personnel. This development solidifies AKSU’s position as a leading state-owned institution committed to academic excellence and technological innovation.

Breakdown of the Newly Accredited Programmes

The 16 new programmes span various disciplines, ranging from Health Sciences and Engineering to Environmental Studies and the Humanities. Each programme has been designed to meet contemporary industry standards and global educational trends.

1. Medical and Health Sciences

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D): Unlike the traditional B.Pharm, the Pharm.D is a professional doctorate that emphasizes clinical pharmacy and direct patient care.

2. Engineering and Technology

The Faculty of Engineering has been significantly bolstered with cutting-edge disciplines:

• B.Eng. Automotive Engineering: Focused on the design, manufacturing, and operation of ground vehicles.

• B.Eng. Computer Engineering: Integrating electronic engineering with computer science.

• B.Eng. Telecommunications Engineering: Addressing the needs of the rapidly evolving digital communication sector.

3. Environmental Sciences and Built Environment

AKSU is now a major hub for the “Built Environment” sector, introducing six critical programmes:

• B.Sc. Architecture

• B.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning

• B.Sc. Estate Management

• B.Sc. Surveying and Geoinformatics

• B.Sc. Building

• B.Sc. Quantity Surveying

4. Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education

To foster creativity and social development, the university has added:

• B.A. Music

• B.Sc. Fine and Applied Arts

• B.Sc. Local Government and Development Studies

• B.Sc. Project Management

• B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Resolution

• B.Ed. Guidance and Counselling (Education)

Admission Guidelines and Application Procedures

Following the NUC approval, the university has formally opened applications for these programmes. Prospective candidates must meet specific criteria to be considered for the 2025/2026 admission cycle.

JAMB Requirements: Candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and met the national and institutional cutoff marks are eligible. Those who did not initially select Akwa Ibom State University as their first choice but are interested in these new programmes must visit the JAMB portal to perform a “Change of Institution/Course.”

O-Level Requirements: Applicants must possess a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, at no more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB). Professional courses like Pharmacy and Engineering require specific credits in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Strategic Impact on the State and Region

The introduction of these programmes is expected to have a multiplier effect on the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State. By offering courses like Automotive Engineering and Project Management, the university is directly feeding the state’s industrialization agenda. Furthermore, the Pharm.D programme will help address the shortage of clinical pharmacists in the South-South geopolitical zone.

The University Management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, has assured the public that all necessary facilities—including studios for Architecture and Fine Arts, as well as specialized workshops for Engineering—are being fully optimized to ensure the first intake of students receives a world-class education.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Prospective students, parents, and guardians are encouraged to stay updated via the university’s official communication channels. Further details regarding departmental-specific requirements, Post-UTME screening dates, and fee structures will be published on the AKSU portal.

For immediate enquiries, candidates can visit the Directorate of Academic Planning at either the Main Campus (Ikpt Abasi) or the Obio Akpa Campus.