The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted an operational licence to City University Abuja.
The approval clears the institution to commence academic activities and admit its pioneer postgraduate students. City university is expected to begin operations in the 2026/2027 academic session.
The licence was presented to the institution’s promoters in Abuja on Friday, July 24, 2026. Consequently, the approval marks a major step in the institution’s transition from a proposed university to a licensed institution.
NUC Confirms City University Abuja’s Approval
Presenting the licence, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, described the approval as a major milestone. According to him, the institution had completed the regulatory requirements for establishing a private postgraduate university.
“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,” Ribadu said.
He explained that the university had received approval to commence operations with its initial academic programmes.
However, he urged the management to maintain the Commission’s quality assurance standards. He also stressed the importance of academic excellence and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, Ribadu announced that the university’s designated mentor institution would support its take-off. The mentor institution is expected to provide technical guidance and institutional support.
This arrangement is intended to strengthen the university’s development and promote sustainable growth.
The NUC has long maintained strict procedures for the establishment and regulation of private universities. Its licensing process includes document reviews, site assessments, security screening and regulatory approvals.
Promoters Pledge Commitment to Academic Excellence
Responding on behalf of the promoters, University Board of Trustees member Uzoechina Agu thanked the NUC. He described the licensing process as transparent, rigorous and professional.
Agu assured the Commission that the university would uphold strong institutional values. He said City University Abuja would be guided by academic excellence, innovation, integrity and accountability.
The institution also plans to prepare graduates for the demands of a changing global economy.
According to Agu, the operational licence fulfils a long-standing vision for a world-class postgraduate institution. He said the university would focus on quality postgraduate education, research, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Moreover, he stated that the institution was ready to commence academic activities immediately.
University Targets 2026/2027 Pioneer Students
Agu said modern facilities had been provided ahead of the university’s take-off. He added that qualified academic and administrative personnel were also being put in place.
In addition, robust student support systems are expected to support the pioneer students.
The university plans to create a technology-driven and innovation-focused learning environment. It also intends to maintain strong links between academic training and industry needs.
According to the promoters, this approach will help position graduates for national and international career opportunities.
The planned postgraduate focus is also reflected in current recruitment activity linked to the institution. Recent vacancies describe City University Abuja as developing postgraduate programmes in areas including computer science and international law.
New Addition to Nigeria’s Private University Sector
This approval makes City University Abuja to join Nigeria’s expanding private university sector. The development will further increase access to postgraduate education in the Federal Capital Territory. It also reflects the continuing role of private institutions in expanding Nigeria’s higher education capacity.
The NUC maintains an official register of licensed private universities and separately monitors academic programmes through its accreditation system.
For City University Abuja, attention will now shift towards its academic take-off and pioneer admissions. The 2026/2027 session is therefore expected to mark the beginning of the university’s postgraduate academic journey.
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