NUC Approves New Postgraduate Programmes for University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT)
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved a wide range of new full-time postgraduate programmes for the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) in Bayelsa State, strengthening the institution’s academic capacity ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.
The approval followed a successful resource verification visit by a panel of NUC experts who assessed the university’s human and material resources and confirmed its readiness to run the programmes.
Approval letter and effective date
In an official letter dated 30 January 2026, the NUC authorised the programmes with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The letter was signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Commission.
According to the Commission, the approval is based on the outcome of the verification exercise, which confirmed that UAT has met the minimum academic and infrastructural requirements.
Full-time postgraduate programmes approved
The approval covers Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, strictly in full-time mode, across the following disciplines:
- Accounting – PGD, M.Sc., PhD
- Biology – PGD, M.Sc., PhD
- Business Administration – PGD, M.Sc., MBA, PhD
- Biochemistry – PGD, M.Sc., PhD
- Educational Management – PGD, M.Ed., PhD
- Mass Communication – PGD, M.Sc., PhD
- Computer Science – PGD, M.Sc., PhD
- Political Science – PGD, M.Sc., PhD
- Theatre and Film Studies – PGD, M.A., PhD
Key conditions attached to the approval
The NUC emphasised that the approval applies only to full-time programmes. Any plan to introduce part-time postgraduate options must first be formally communicated to, and approved by, the Commission.
In addition, UAT is required to:
- Maintain the approved course titles and nomenclature, with no substitutions or renaming
- Sustain adequate human and material resources to support effective programme delivery
- Seek fresh NUC approval before making any changes to the approved curricula or degree titles
What this means for students and the university
This development positions the University of Africa, Toru-Orua as a growing hub for postgraduate education in Nigeria, offering students expanded opportunities for advanced study while operating under strict national quality assurance standards.
Education analysts say the move could also boost research output and postgraduate enrolment in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region.
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