Nigeria’s higher education landscape has expanded once again as the National Universities Commission (NUC) officially granted an operational licence to Omega University, Kaduna.
The approval clears the faith-based institution to commence academic activities immediately and admit its pioneer students for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The operational licence was presented on Friday in Abuja during a ceremony attended by officials of the Commission and the university’s promoters. Besides formally recognising the institution as a licensed private university, the Commission approved 10 undergraduate academic programmes for take-off.
The development marks the end of the university’s journey from a proposed institution to a fully licensed university. It also places Omega University among Nigeria’s growing number of private universities established to widen access to quality tertiary education.
NUC Gives Green Light for Immediate Take-Off
Presenting the operational licence, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, congratulated the promoters for successfully meeting all regulatory requirements for the establishment of a private university.
He described the approval as the beginning of a new chapter for the institution, noting that the Commission was satisfied with its level of preparedness.
“Today marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new era. You have crossed all the hurdles. The university is now approved and no longer proposed,” he said.
Ribadu disclosed that the Commission had approved 10 undergraduate academic programmes for the university. Consequently, he said there was no reason why the institution should not begin admitting students during the current admission cycle.
To strengthen its early development, the NUC also appointed Kaduna State University (KASU) as Omega University’s mentor institution. The arrangement will provide academic guidance, technical support and institutional mentorship as the new university begins operations.
Furthermore, Ribadu urged the university’s management to remain committed to the Commission’s operational guidelines and quality assurance standards. According to him, strict compliance will be crucial to sustaining academic excellence and public confidence.
Promoters Promise a University Built on Excellence and Integrity
Responding on behalf of the promoters, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Reverend Joseph John Hayab, expressed appreciation to the NUC for what he described as its professionalism, transparency and unwavering support throughout the licensing process.
He assured the Commission that Omega University would operate strictly within approved regulations. He also pledged that the institution would never compromise on academic quality.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Mary, the mother of Jesus, Hayab said the university’s leadership had carefully embraced every instruction given by the NUC Executive Secretary.
“Like the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we have kept everything the Executive Secretary has said in our hearts. We will ensure that we do everything required so that we will not bring shame to ourselves or to the Commission,” he said.
Hayab stressed that the institution’s faith-based identity would shape its administration, academic culture and relationship with society. As a result, excellence, integrity and accountability would remain its defining values.
“We do not just want to have another university. We want to build a university that will stand the test of time, contribute meaningfully to nation building and make significant impact in Nigeria’s education sector,” Hayab added.
Affordable Tuition, Flexible Payment Plans for Students
Speaking with journalists shortly after the presentation, the Pro-Chancellor of Omega University and President of Messengers Foundation, the community outreach arm of Restoration Ministries, Rev. Dr. Tunde Bolanta, described the approval as the fulfilment of a vision that had taken years to achieve.
“Today we are here to collect the licence. After a long journey, it has finally come to pass. We have been on this for a long time, but by the grace of God we are here at the NUC receiving the licence,” he said.
Bolanta disclosed that the university had completed preparations for academic take-off. He confirmed that admissions would begin immediately for the institution’s pioneer students.
According to him, the required facilities, personnel and operational structures are already in place. More importantly, he assured prospective students that the university would make quality education affordable.
“We are putting in place processes and plans that will make it possible for students to pay as they go. We want to make quality university education accessible to many Nigerians,” he said.
Bolanta also welcomed the decision to appoint Kaduna State University as the university’s mentor institution. He noted that the partnership would be beneficial because both institutions are located within Kaduna State.
“We are fortunate that Kaduna State University will mentor us. Being in the same state gives us the opportunity to work closely together for positive results,” he added.
He further called on prospective students and parents to embrace the opportunity offered by the new institution. According to him, Omega University is committed to producing graduates equipped with sound knowledge, strong character and leadership values.
“This is going to be a world class university. We will provide quality education, build a better Nigeria and raise God fearing graduates who will champion development in every sector of society. Our goal is excellence, quality and the highest standards,” he said.
With the operational licence now secured, Omega University is set to begin its first academic session in Kaduna State during the 2026/2027 academic year, marking another milestone in the expansion of Nigeria’s private university system.
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