By Adamu Yusuf
Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act 2026 to strengthen the regulation of university education and improve academic standards across the country.
The bill, sponsored by the Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele seeks to update the existing law to address developments in the higher education sector, including the proliferation of private universities, technological advancements and the internationalisation of education.
Leading the debate, the Senate Leader explained that the proposed legislation would strengthen the NUC’s regulatory powers, improve accreditation procedures, enforce minimum academic standards, provide appropriate sanctions for institutions that violate established regulations.
He said it would also seeks to modernise the Commission’s governance structure and promote research, innovation and institutional autonomy.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, called for stronger legal powers for the NUC to address alleged irregularities in the management of private universities.
He expressed concern that some institutions operated corporate structures that contradicted the provisions of the law and allegedly ignored the Commission’s directives.
Also intervened in the debate, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio stressed the need to empower the National Assembly to support the NUC in enforcing compliance with its regulatory requirements.
He suggested that where a university persistently failed to comply with the Commission’s directives, appropriate action, including a recommendation to the President for its proscription, should be considered within the framework of the law.
The Senate subsequently adopted the bill for second reading, paving the way for further legislative consideration.
The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote accountability and improve the quality of university education in Nigeria.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
