The National Universities Commission has started the verification of 18-degree programmes for the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, to facilitate a smooth commencement of academic activities.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval on 15 March 2024 to upgrade the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy into a full-fledged university.
The university’s inaugural senate approved 22 programmes across five allied healthcare faculties. However, the NUC selected 18 of these programmes for verification, marking a critical step towards their launch in the 2024/2025 academic session.
The verification process is essential in ensuring that FUAHSE meets required standards to deliver quality education in health and social welfare. The NUC’s involvement assures that these programmes align with national standards and are designed to produce competent professionals.
Some of the allied health science programmes that may be offered by FUAHSE include: Nursing Science: Training students to become registered nurses and midwives; Dental Technology: Focusing on dental care and technology; Public Health: Equipping students to promote health and prevent diseases; Health Education: Preparing professionals to educate communities on healthy practices and Medical Laboratory Science: Preparing students for careers in laboratory medicine.
These programmes will play a significant role in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare needs and beyond.
Speaking on Saturday, before the commencement of the verification exercise, one of the team leaders and NUC Academic Planner, Jude Akubue, stated that the Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki, approved their verification of the 18 programmes for the university’s take-off.
“We are pleased to be here because today is historic for the university and for us. This visit will determine whether you have the nod to run these programmes as a university. We congratulate you on this transition and thank President Bola Tinubu for approving the university.”
He added that the team comprises resource persons carefully selected from various parts of Nigeria, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, and Babcock University, who are experts in basic and allied sciences.
“We will use the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) as our benchmark for assessment. Last year, the CCMAS was introduced, and its implementation began in the 2023/2024 academic session. Once you gain approval for these programmes, the CCMAS will serve as a minimum of 70 per cent of the content, with the remaining per cent tailored to the unique focus of your university,” Akubue said.
Welcoming the team, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUAHSE, Prof. John Emaimo, expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the transition of the former college into a full-fledged university and the first Health Science University in Nigeria.
He noted that the NUC had carefully selected the verification team to support the university’s early stages, remarking that while the institution is yet “on paper,” academic activities would soon give it a solid footing.
“The team has been well-chosen for this assignment, marking only the beginning. The university is starting today by virtue of this verification, and we are adding to the ranks of Nigerian universities to shape more young minds for society. We are confident that the team will set us on the right path for accreditation.”
“What we are doing is for humanity, intervening in Nigeria’s pressing needs and ensuring a place for young people. We, the staff, are ready to assist in whatever way necessary so that at the end of the process, we will have a clear direction for moving forward,” he said.
