The directive follows an observation by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the growing trend of such duplications in higher institutions across the country.

The Nigerian Government has ordered an immediate stop to the practice of multiple accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities by professional bodies operating independently of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The directive follows an observation by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the growing trend of such duplications in higher institutions across the country.

In a circular dated May 9, 2025, issued to all vice-chancellors, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, relayed the new order as approved by the Minister of Education.

It read, "The National Universities Commission is in receipt of the attached letter, Ref. FME/DUE/206/T/191 and dated 9th May 2025 from the Federal Ministry of Education informing it of the Ministry's observation of the increasing trend of multiple accreditations of academic programmes in Nigeria Universities by various professional bodies, independent of the National Universities Commission.

"The Honorable Minister of Education has therefore approved that henceforth, all professional bodies shall no longer be allowed to conduct independent accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian Universities.

"However, the underlisted regulatory bodies are granted waivers to continue their regulatory activities in collaboration with the National Universities Commission."

These bodies include: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Council of Legal Education (CLE), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

"Consequently, I am to forward the attached to all Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities for your attention and necessary action,” it added.