Following the rigorous National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise conducted in October and November 2025, the University has recorded an outstanding achievement by securing Full Accreditation for 22 undergraduate programmes and 5 postgraduate programmes. This remarkable success represents a historic milestone that firmly elevates the University’s academic profile and underscores its rising status as a centre of excellence in higher education in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the feat as a resounding validation of the University’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance, academic integrity, and sustainable growth. He noted that this achievement reflects the collective dedication of the University community and signals the dawn of a new era of academic distinction for PAAU.
I. COMPREHENSIVE BREAKDOWN OF ACCREDITED PROGRAMMES
The official NUC report, signed by the Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, confirms that the following programmes have fully satisfied the demanding requirements of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS):
Faculty of Management Sciences Full accreditation was granted to the undergraduate programmes in Accounting, Business Administration, and Public Administration. All postgraduate offerings also received full accreditation, including M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Banking and Finance, M.Sc. Management, M.Sc. Public Administration, and the Master of Public Administration (MPA).
College of Health Sciences Critical healthcare programmes — Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing Science, and Pharmacology — attained full accreditation status, reinforcing the University’s strength in producing highly skilled health professionals.
Faculty of Natural Sciences A clean sweep of full accreditation was achieved for Botany, Industrial Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, and Zoology.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities Full accreditation was secured for Arabic, History and International Studies, Islamic Studies, Philosophy, and English and Literary Studies. Christian Religious Studies received Interim accreditation.
Faculty of Computing and Law Both Computer Science and the Law programmes (Common Law and Islamic Law) earned full accreditation.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Agriculture Economics and Sociology in the Social Sciences, alongside Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Faculty of Agriculture, all received full accreditation.
II. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman expressed his deepest gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support. He acknowledged that the Governor’s consistent investment in infrastructure, human capital development, and the education sector has created the enabling environment that made this resounding success possible.
The Vice-Chancellor also paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, whose strategic foresight, prudent resource management, and foundational reforms during her tenure laid the solid groundwork for the University’s current achievements. He described her contributions as instrumental to the progress being celebrated today.
III. IMPACT ON STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION
This accreditation triumph delivers far-reaching benefits to both current and prospective students:
- Enhanced Degree Recognition: Graduates can now proudly present degrees that enjoy full national and international recognition by professional bodies and employers.
- Seamless NYSC Mobilization: Full accreditation guarantees uninterrupted eligibility for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and smooth progression into postgraduate studies.
- Increased Admission Opportunities: The University is now better positioned to sustain or expand its admission quotas in these critical disciplines, thereby opening more doors for qualified candidates seeking quality education.
IV. SUSTAINING THE MOMENTUM TOWARDS GLOBAL PREEMINENCE
Building on his proven track record of transformative leadership as former Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Usman reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Prince Abubakar Audu University as a globally competitive institution. To sustain this momentum, the University Management has already initiated strategic measures, including:
- Continuous upgrading of teaching and research facilities, laboratories, studios, and library resources.
- Robust faculty development programmes focused on advanced research training, international collaborations, and professional certifications.
- Targeted interventions to convert all programmes currently on Interim status to Full accreditation in the next exercise.
CONCLUSION: A FUTURE OF ACADEMIC PREEMINENCE
The outstanding outcome of the 2025 NUC accreditation exercise has further cemented Prince Abubakar Audu University’s reputation as a preferred destination for quality higher education in Nigeria. The Management remains resolute in its determination not to rest on these laurels but to continually innovate, strengthen teaching and research capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence.
We assure all stakeholders — students, parents, guardians, alumni, and the wider academic community — of our unrelenting pursuit of greatness as we shape the future leaders and innovators our nation and the world deserve.
Please be guided accordingly.
