The National Universities Commission (NUC) has said that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) cannot run Postgraduate Law programs for now.
In the statement, signed by Engr. Abraham Chundusu, the Acting Director of Accreditation, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC said NOUN cannot run the PG programme in Law until issues surrounding the accreditation of its LLB Law programme are fully resolved.
NUC made the clarification while reacting to a letter from The Viceregent Legal Consult, requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
NUC however expressed displeasure with the tone of the letter, which it perceived as a threat rather than a genuine request for information.
The Commission emphasized the importance of following proper procedural hierarchies within establishments like the NUC, which determine timelines for service delivery.
The NUC stated that in 2022, the university was granted approval to run LL.M. and Ph.D. programs in Law, subject to the regularization of the undergraduate (LL.B.) component.
However, the university is not permitted to commence operation of these postgraduate programs until the regularization process is concluded and accreditation is conducted by the Commission for the LL.B. program.
The NUC reassured the public of its commitment to providing accurate and sufficient information to guide them on matters related to Nigerian universities and their programs.
This clarification aims to address any confusion or misinformation regarding the current status of postgraduate law programs at NOUN and reaffirms the NUC’s dedication to maintaining high standards in Nigerian universities.