NUC Approves Five New Degree Programmes as UNN Unbundles Mass Communication

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the unbundling of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria (UNN), paving the way for the introduction of five specialised undergraduate degree programmes from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The newly approved programmes are B.Sc. Advertising, B.Sc. Broadcasting, B.Sc. Development Communication Studies, B.Sc. Journalism and Media Studies, and B.Sc. Public Relations. All programmes will be offered on a full-time basis.

The approval was conveyed in an official communication dated June 19, 2026, and signed on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu.

According to the Commission, the approval followed a comprehensive resource verification exercise conducted by a panel of experts to assess the human and material resources available for the proposed programmes.

The NUC clarified that the approval applies strictly to full-time mode of study, noting that any future plans to introduce part-time or postgraduate versions of the programmes would require separate approval from the Commission.

It also directed that the programmes must retain their approved titles and nomenclature, stating that any changes would be subject to regulatory approval.

The approval marks a significant milestone for the Department of Mass Communication as it transitions from a single academic programme to five specialised disciplines aimed at aligning communication education with evolving industry demands.

Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Professor Michael Ukonu, described the approval as a major achievement and expressed appreciation to the university management for its support throughout the resource verification process.

He specifically commended the Vice-Chancellor for providing the necessary backing that facilitated the successful approval of the programmes, while also acknowledging the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Anthony Attama, for guiding the department through the verification exercise.

Professor Ukonu said the department would continue to work towards its long-term objective of attaining faculty status, describing the unbundling exercise as a major step in that direction.

He added that the introduction of the five specialised programmes would strengthen the department's academic reputation, enhance the quality of communication education and align its curriculum with global standards and the University of Nigeria's vision for academic excellence.