The National Universities Commission (NUC) has released a statement addressing the current status of postgraduate law programs at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The clarification comes in response to a letter from The Viceregent Legal Consult, requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
In the statement, the NUC expressed displeasure with the tone of the letter, which they perceived as a threat rather than a genuine request for information. The Commission emphasized the importance of following proper procedural hierarchies within establishments like the NUC, which determine timelines for service delivery.
Regarding the status of postgraduate law degrees at NOUN, the NUC stated that in 2022, the university was granted approval to run LL.M. and Ph.D. programs in Law, subject to the regularization of the undergraduate (LL.B.) component.
However, the university is not permitted to commence operation of these postgraduate programs until the regularization process is concluded and accreditation is conducted by the Commission for the LL.B. program.
The NUC reassured the public of its commitment to providing accurate and sufficient information to guide them on matters related to Nigerian universities and their programs.
The statement was signed by Engr. Abraham Chundusu, the Acting Director of Accreditation, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
This clarification aims to address any confusion or misinformation regarding the current status of postgraduate law programs at NOUN and reaffirms the NUC’s dedication to maintaining high standards in Nigerian universities.