The National Universities Commission (NUC) has concluded plans to introduce 12 new programmes into the various universities curriculum across the federation to strengthen weak areas.

The 12 new programmes to be introduced are Artificial Intelligence; Classical Christian Education; Community Health Science; Cooperative Economics and Management Studies; Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science; Geomatics Engineering Intelligence and Security Studies; Parasitology and Entomology; Sports Management; Telecommunication Science; Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and Islamic Economics and Finance.

The resolution was contained in a record of the meeting held recently between the NUC and 12-member panel drafted to review the courses to make useful suggestions that will strengthen weak areas in the tertiary institution’s curriculum.

Abdullahi Ribadu, executive secretary at the NUC in his speech reminded the panel members that the commission has the powers to lay down minimum standards for all universities and other degree-awarding institutions in the country as well as the accreditation of their degrees and other academic awards.

He noted that the NUC derived its powers from Section 10 (1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Cap. E3, Laws of the Federation, 2004 (formerly Act No. 16 of 1985 as amended).

Ribadu emphasised that the exercise is being carried out because the commission had received a number of requests for the development of a new curriculum from universities and professional bodies after it had embarked on a comprehensive curriculum review exercise that lasted for over two years.

Besides, he noted that the submissions were analysed to ascertain their viability and marketability as academic programmes and eventually 12 programmes in all were selected.

He pointed out that the landscape of education and knowledge is rapidly evolving, demanding a curriculum that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation, which requires that Nigerian students are equipped with the 21st-century skills, employability skills and self-reliance needed to thrive in a dynamic world.

Ribadu encouraged the reviewers to bring in valuable insights and their expertise as experienced resource persons and subject experts in order to draw a befitting curriculum for the new programmes, bearing in mind the nation’s desire for local content/uniqueness in tandem with global best practices.

The NUC’s executive secretary further counselled the panel members to make useful suggestions that would strengthen any weak areas that they might identify other than criticising it as being bad.

Ribadu made the panel members to understand that the commission acknowledges and appreciates their efforts, sacrifices and services over the years, especially when called on National assignment of this nature.

He enjoined them to continue doing their best as always while pledging that the commission would not at any time take such commitment for granted.