By our Reporter
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education, has called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s accreditation process in tertiary education, describing it as fragmented, costly, and counterproductive. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with professional regulatory bodies on July 10, 2025, in Abuja, Dr. Alausa emphasized streamlining accreditation under the National Universities Commission (NUC) to end the current chaotic and exploitative system.
He noted that over 25 professional bodies conduct separate visits, charging institutions for logistics and stipends, thereby burdening already stretched education budgets. “Accreditation should not be a business,” he said, stressing the need for a unified, efficient system to maintain standards, expand access, and reduce bureaucracy.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described coordinating multiple exercises as overwhelming and disruptive, often resulting in artificial compliance. Permanent Secretary Mr. Abel Enitan reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration.
NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, cited contradictions between academic and professional benchmarks. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, criticized the exploitation of legislative gaps, calling for rational solutions.
Resolutions reached: accreditation will be jointly conducted by NUC and relevant bodies; valid for five years; visits completed in 2–3 days; professional bodies will self-fund activities without charging institutions; and reforms will apply across all tertiary institutions.
