NUC Emphasizes Priority on Producing High-Quality Graduates

Dr. Noel Saliu, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Academic) of the National Universities Commission (NUC), has emphasized that the primary role of a university is to produce high-quality graduates. He made this declaration while delivering a presentation titled 'Curriculum and Technology: Changing Face of the Workplace' at the 2023 Staff Colloquium held at Caleb University in Imota, Lagos.

During his presentation, Saliu encouraged the university staff to harness the potential of the recently introduced Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) to cultivate world-class scholars. Notably, the NUC had recently convened a stakeholders' meeting to reinforce the implementation of the new curriculum, scheduled to take effect from the 2023/2024 academic session.

Saliu explained, "The CCMAS primarily comprises 70 percent core courses for all programs, with universities having the flexibility to develop the remaining 30 percent as innovative courses tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, blended learning methods have been introduced for curriculum delivery. University staff should capitalize on the newly introduced CCMAS to nurture exceptional scholars, as the quality of graduates is the hallmark of a distinguished university."

In an earlier presentation, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, discussed 'Attitude Re-engineering for Curriculum Implementation.' He shared insights into how Caleb University successfully adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown, highlighting the university's commitment to maintaining its academic calendar without interruptions.

Owens-Ibie emphasized the importance of adopting a positive approach to implementing the new curriculum, which the NUC had launched in December 2022.