FUNAAB Hosts NUC Resource Assessment Panels for Proposed New Academic Programmes

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on April 20, 2026, hosted six verification panels from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the resource assessment of newly proposed academic programmes, in a key step toward securing final regulatory approval.

The exercise covers six programmes: Geophysics, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Clothing and Textiles, Science Laboratory Technology, Biotechnology, and Public Health.

Receiving the panels, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended the NUC for its sustained role in quality assurance across the Nigerian university system. He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s institutional mandate, noting that the university, with nearly four decades of academic presence, remains committed to teaching excellence, research output, and innovation aligned with national development priorities.

Prof. Kehinde disclosed that the proposed programmes had already passed through rigorous internal evaluation processes, including Senate approval, before being forwarded to the NUC. He expressed confidence in the university’s readiness, citing adequate infrastructure, qualified academic personnel, and supporting resources, while also welcoming external assessment as a mechanism for strengthening delivery standards.

He further noted that all existing programmes in FUNAAB currently hold full accreditation status, adding that approximately 95 percent of the university’s offerings are science-based, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

Speaking on behalf of the NUC panels, Prof. Nelson Osuchukwu explained that the exercise was strictly a resource verification process designed to assess facilities, staffing levels, and documentation in line with regulatory benchmarks. He assured that the panels would conduct a thorough and objective evaluation before submitting reports to the Commission for final consideration, while commending the university’s hospitality.

During the exit engagement with the resource assessment teams, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the institution’s commitment to strengthening human and material resources to support the smooth take-off of the proposed programmes. He also emphasized the importance of accurate record-keeping and administrative transparency, describing them as critical safeguards during accreditation and audit processes.

Describing the proposed academic offerings as highly relevant and in demand, Prof. Kehinde expressed confidence in FUNAAB’s capacity to deliver them effectively. He further assured that continuous improvements would be made to sustain quality, particularly ahead of future accreditation cycles.

“We are committed to nurturing these programmes carefully, just like a mother prioritises feeding her child,” he stated, underscoring the institution’s strategic approach to academic expansion.

The visit ended with expressions of mutual appreciation between both parties.