Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu has officially assumed office as the 9th substantive Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), vowing to reform the commission’s enabling laws and address pressing challenges in the Nigerian University System.
At a ceremony held on Monday in Abuja, Ribadu emphasised the importance of improving the commission’s efficiency and responsiveness to stakeholders, promising to prioritize the training and welfare of staff.
He was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu along with the head of three other government agencies.
Commitment to Reforms
Ribadu pledged to revisit outdated laws that hinder the NUC’s ability to regulate and enhance the Nigerian University System.
“I ask each and every one of you to join me on this journey of building a commission that is even more robust, efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our various stakeholders,” Ribadu said.
He noted that empowering staff through professional development would be key to achieving greater productivity. “Investing in your professional development and well-being will yield maximum productivity,” he stated.
Increasing Access to University Education
Ribadu identified limited access to university education as a major challenge, noting that only about 500,000 of the 2 million candidates who register for JAMB exams annually gain admission into tertiary institutions.
“We hope to increase access by expanding existing infrastructure and resources in public universities, e- and distance education, as well as private sector growth, enhancing funding, and external support channels,” he said.
He also promised to undertake a needs assessment to determine the quantum of funds required to effectively support tertiary education.
Support from Outgoing Leadership
Outgoing Acting Executive Secretary Chris Maiyaki welcomed Ribadu’s appointment, describing it as timely and critical for tackling the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education system.
Maiyaki highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms, stating, “Many of the enabling laws of the commission are outdated and limit the ability of the NUC to adapt to new trends and control the proliferation of illegal degrees.”
During his 18-month tenure, Maiyaki oversaw significant achievements, including the establishment of six universities, the approval of 1,800 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and the activation of open universities and distance learning centres.
“Our quality assurance efforts yielded excellent results, with over 87% of accredited programmes achieving full accreditation status,” Maiyaki added.
Looking Ahead
Ribadu assured maximum support for Nigerian universities to enhance funding opportunities and promote quality education. He affirmed his commitment to reforming the commission’s laws to better regulate and expand the nation’s higher education landscape.
“With your support, we will address the systemic challenges and ensure the NUC continues to meet the educational aspirations of Nigeria’s growing population,” Ribadu said.
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