The newly approved programmes cut across health sciences, social sciences, education, security studies, and advanced space research, marking a significant expansion in the university’s academic portfolio.
New health science programmes to address manpower gap
Among the most notable additions are two specialised undergraduate degrees: Bachelor’s in Speech Language Therapy and Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy.
According to the university, the introduction of the programmes is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s shortage of trained professionals in both fields, particularly within the healthcare system.
Spokesperson of the institution, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, said the approvals align with ongoing education reforms championed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who has consistently advocated for expanded training in critical health-related disciplines.
She explained that the new courses are part of UNIBEN’s broader commitment to strengthening capacity in specialised healthcare delivery.
Expansion into social sciences and education
The NUC also approved additional undergraduate programmes, including B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies, and B.Ed. Primary Education.
In the health sector, the commission approved B.N.Sc. Nursing Science, to be run in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, further strengthening clinical training opportunities for nursing students.
Space science and postgraduate innovation
At the postgraduate level, the NUC approved the University’s Centre of Excellence in Space Science Technology to offer Master’s and PhD degrees in Remote Sensing and Aeronautics Engineering.
The development positions UNIBEN as one of the institutions expanding academic engagement in advanced scientific research areas, particularly in space-related technology and applied engineering disciplines.
University leadership reacts
According to a statement, Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, expressed appreciation to the NUC for the approvals, describing them as a boost to the institution’s academic growth and national relevance.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as a leading centre for manpower development and research in Nigeria.
“Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Edoba Omoregie, while appreciating the NUC for the gesture, reiterated the determination of the University of Benin to sustain its leading position as a first-rate manpower training and development hub, through its diverse and extensive academic programmes,” the statement read.
Strengthening academic capacity
The approval is expected to enhance UNIBEN’s capacity to train professionals in both emerging and critical fields, while also supporting national efforts to address skills shortages in healthcare, education, security studies, and advanced technology.
With the introduction of the new programmes, the university is positioning itself to respond more directly to evolving labour market demands and Nigeria’s broader development priorities.