Gombe State University Gains NUC Approval for New Programs

Gombe State University, a beacon of educational prowess in Nigeria, is embarking on an exciting journey of academic expansion, armed with approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC). This key decision opens up a new panorama of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the institution.

Institution	Gombe State University
Authority	National Universities Commission (NUC)
Approval	Gombe State University has received NUC approval to establish new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Academic Year	New programmes will commence from the 2023/2024 academic session
Programmes	A range of new programmes in disciplines including Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Banking and Finance, and many more are introduced
Exclusion	B.Sc. (Ed) Accounting programme was not approved due to non-availability of BMAS and the university does not have the programme as a teaching subject
Domicile	The University is advised to domicile the B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics programme in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Part-time Mode	The approval does not cover the part-time mode of delivery of the undergraduate programmes

NUC Approval: A Seal of Progress

A communication from the NUC has set the stage for Gombe State University’s ambitious venture into a wider range of programmes. The approval, contained in a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, came after an extensive resource verification visit. This assessment, carried out by panels of experts, evaluated the human and material resources available for establishing the proposed academic programmes.

Expansion of Academic Horizons: New Programmes

The NUC’s approval is a gateway to an array of fresh undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, set to commence from the 2023/2024 academic session in the University’s Main Campus. The proposed courses span various disciplines, including Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Banking and Finance, Biotechnology, Nursing Science, Public Health, Pharmacology, and more. Also included are Master’s and PhD programmes in areas such as Accounting, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, and Human Anatomy.

1. B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Resolution
2. B.Sc International Relations
3. B.Sc. Banking and Finance
4. Master of Accounting
5. BLIS Library and Information Science
6. B.Ed. Educational Administration and Planning
7. B.Sc. Biotechnology
8. B.Sc. Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
9. B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
10. M. Sc. Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
11. BN.Sc. Nursing Science
12. B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
13. B.Sc. Public Health
14. B.Sc. Pharmacology
15. Pharm D. Doctor of Pharmacy
16. PGD, M.Sc, and Ph.D. Mathematics
17. PGD, and M.Sc. Health Economics
18. Professional Master in Development Economics
19. PGD, Islamic Studies
20. Professional Masters in Islamic Banking and Finance
21. PGD. Christian Religious and Theological Studies
22. Master of Criminology and Security Studies
23. PGD. Microbiology
24. PGD., M.Sc., and Ph.D. Statistics
25. Master of Management Information Systems
26. PGD., M.Sc., and Ph.D. Human Anatomy
27. PGD., M.Sc., and Ph.D. Human Physiology
28. M.Sc. and Ph.D. Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
29. Professional Master in Pastoral Care and Counseling
30. Professional Master in Religious Peace and Ecumenical Studies
31. M.Sc. and PhD Human Reproduction

The Exception: Accounting Education

While most proposed programmes received the green light from the NUC, the B.Sc. (Ed) Accounting programme was not approved. The rejection was attributed to the non-availability of the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) and the fact that the University does not currently teach the programme as a subject. The NUC advised the University to apply for the B.Sc. Business Education programme instead.

Domiciliation of Nutrition and Dietetics Programme

An additional note in the NUC’s communication suggested the University domicile the B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics programme in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. This suggestion aims to better align the course with relevant resources and expertise.

Exclusion of Part-time Programmes

It is important to note that the NUC approval does not cover the part-time mode of delivery for these undergraduate programmes. Hence, the programmes will be delivered in a full-time format, enhancing the depth and breadth of the learning experience.

Titles, Nomenclature, and Resources

With the approval, the University is expected to adhere to the sanctioned titles and nomenclatures for all programmes. Any changes will require further approval from the NUC. In addition, the University is advised to ensure the provision of adequate human and material resources for the development and growth of the approved programmes.

Moving Forward: A New Era at Gombe State University

As Gombe State University steps into this new academic phase, the NUC’s approval is a momentous milestone. With an eye to the future, the University is poised to transform into a more comprehensive centre for learning and innovation, fostering excellence in a wider range of disciplines. The dawn of these new academic horizons promises brighter opportunities for current and future students, bolstering the University’s position as a leader in Nigerian higher education.