RismadarVoice Reporters, June 21, 2026
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved six new full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the University of Benin (UNIBEN), with effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The approval followed the successful resource assessment of the proposed programmes by the commission, paving the way for the institution to expand its academic offerings in key areas of national development.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the institution disclosed that two of the newly approved undergraduate programmes are specifically targeted at addressing the shortage of specialists in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The programmes are Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, both designed to train skilled professionals in critical areas of healthcare where there is a significant shortage of experts.
According to the university, the programmes align with the policy direction of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aimed at strengthening manpower development in specialized healthcare fields.
Other newly approved undergraduate programmes include B.Sc International Relations, B.Sc Intelligence and Security Studies, B.Ed Primary Education, and Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc), which will be offered in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
At the postgraduate level, the university’s Centre of Excellence in Space Science Technology and Application has also received approval to offer Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Remote Sensing and Aeronautical Engineering.
The new programmes are expected to broaden academic opportunities for prospective students while enhancing the institution’s contribution to national manpower development.
Reacting to the approval, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), expressed appreciation to the NUC for granting the approvals.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and sustaining its reputation as a leading centre for teaching, research and professional development.
“We appreciate the NUC for the approval of the courses, and the institution will sustain its leading position as a first-rate manpower training and development hub,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Omoregie added that the university remains committed to expanding its academic programmes and producing highly skilled professionals capable of meeting emerging national and global challenges.
The approval is expected to strengthen UNIBEN’s position as one of Nigeria’s foremost universities and further enhance its capacity to provide innovative and industry-relevant education.lllllllllll
