Senate Targets Stricter Oversight of Universities in Proposed NUC Law

The Nigerian Senate has moved to strengthen the regulatory powers of the National Universities Commission (NUC), passing for second reading a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the NUC Act 2026.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, is designed to update the legal framework for regulating universities and address emerging challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Leading debate on the proposed legislation, Bamidele said the bill would enhance the commission’s capacity to regulate universities, improve accreditation processes, enforce minimum academic standards and sanction institutions that violate established rules.

He said the legislation would also modernise the NUC’s governance structure while encouraging research, innovation and institutional autonomy.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, called for stronger legal provisions to enable the commission to tackle alleged irregularities in the administration of private universities.

Umeh raised concerns over institutions allegedly operating corporate structures contrary to existing legal provisions and failing to comply with the commission’s directives.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also called for measures to strengthen enforcement and ensure universities comply with regulatory requirements.

Akpabio suggested that where an institution repeatedly disregarded the NUC’s directives, appropriate legal measures should be considered, including a recommendation to the President for its proscription.

The Senate subsequently passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to the next stage of legislative consideration.

The proposed law is expected to provide a stronger regulatory framework for Nigerian universities, improve accountability and support efforts to raise academic standards nationwide.