Senate moves to strengthen NUC powers and improve academic standards

Nigeria’s Senate passed for second reading a bill to replace the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act and strengthen regulation of university education. Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the proposal aims to improve accreditation, enforce minimum academic standards and sanction institutions that break regulations. Victor Umeh called for stronger legal powers to address alleged irregularities at some private universities, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio said persistent non-compliance could lead to a recommendation to the president to proscribe an institution. The bill was referred for further legislative consideration.