NUC Approves Postgraduate Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science Programmes for Novena University
By Gabriel Awodeha
Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, has secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce postgraduate programmes in Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science, expanding its academic offerings in healthcare education and research.
The approval covers Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes in both disciplines, with admissions scheduled to commence in the 2026/2027 academic session at the university’s Amai Campus.
The NUC conveyed its approval in a letter dated September 11, 2026, signed by its Director of Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, following a resource verification exercise at the institution.
According to the university, the exercise assessed its academic personnel, laboratory facilities, library resources, clinical training arrangements and research infrastructure, which were found to meet the commission’s requirements for the proposed programmes.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Godwin Chukuenweniwe Nduka, described the approval as a significant milestone in the university’s drive to strengthen healthcare education and postgraduate research.
He said the introduction of the programmes would create opportunities for the training of highly skilled healthcare professionals, researchers, lecturers and consultants to address emerging challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Rev. Linus Ilogho, attributed the achievement to sustained institutional planning, regulatory compliance and the university’s commitment to academic development.
Similarly, the Provost of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ofili, said the approval would provide nurses and medical laboratory scientists with greater opportunities to pursue advanced professional qualifications and research careers.
Ofili noted that the university’s investment in modern laboratories, simulation facilities and partnerships with affiliated teaching hospitals would support the effective delivery of the new programmes.
The Director of Protocols and Communications, Dr. Emmanuel Odishika, said the development would further enhance the institution’s role in producing skilled healthcare personnel while strengthening its capacity for research and international academic collaboration.
Established in 2005 as the first private university in Delta State, Novena University offers programmes in Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Optometry, Law, Management and Natural Sciences, among other disciplines.
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