The National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria’s higher education regulatory body, has greenlit new postgraduate and undergraduate programs at Sokoto’s Iconic University, marking a strategic expansion of its open and distance learning offerings. The move aims to address growing demands for advanced professional education in fields ranging from global security to public health, according to a statement from the university’s registrar, Muhammad Sanusi.
Among the newly approved postgraduate degrees are the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Public Health (MPH), alongside specialized programs like the Master of Crime Management and Security Studies and the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy. These courses, the university emphasized, are tailored to equip graduates with expertise in governance, cybersecurity, and global affairs—sectors witnessing heightened demand across Africa and beyond. Postgraduate diplomas in public health and information technology were also approved.
At the undergraduate level, the NUC authorized two additional programs: a Bachelor of Education in Educational Management and a Bachelor of Environmental Health Science, broadening the institution’s interdisciplinary reach. Sanusi noted the approvals reinforce the university’s role in advancing accessible education, particularly through its online and distance learning platforms, which cater to students unable to attend traditional campus-based programs.
Iconic University, already recognized for its remote education infrastructure, currently offers NUC-accredited degrees in nursing, public health, software engineering, and mass communication, among others. Its existing catalog includes programs in health information management, computer science, and humanities such as Islamic studies and Arabic language—a blend designed to meet regional and international labor market needs.
The registrar described the NUC’s endorsement as a validation of the institution’s academic rigor, stating it ensures graduates are “well-equipped for the evolving demands of the workforce.” The commission’s approval process evaluates curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and institutional resources, underscoring the university’s compliance with national educational benchmarks.
With over 60% of Nigeria’s university-aged population lacking access to tertiary education, initiatives like Iconic University’s distance learning programs are increasingly critical. Analysts suggest such expansions could help bridge skills gaps in sectors like healthcare and technology, while offering flexible pathways for professionals seeking career advancement.
Prospective students are advised to visit the university’s website for enrollment details, with admissions expected to commence ahead of the 2024 academic year. The development aligns with broader efforts across West Africa to leverage digital education tools in addressing enrollment bottlenecks and fostering inclusive access to higher learning.
