Alausa Criticizes Overlapping Roles of University Accreditation Bodies

The Minister of Education, Dr. Marufu Tunji Alausa, has criticised the overlapping roles of more than 25 accreditation bodies overseeing Nigerian universities, describing the current system as burdensome, chaotic, and counterproductive.

Speaking during a meeting with professional bodies in Abuja, Alausa highlighted how conflicting requirements, high costs, and logistical challenges have disrupted the effectiveness of Nigeria’s university accreditation process. He raised concerns about universities being forced to fund accreditation visits, stating that accreditation should not become a business that enriches a few individuals while complicating the system. According to him, “If you want to accredit, go and accredit. It’s not the university’s duty to fund your process.”

He maintained that the accreditation of academic programmes remains the statutory responsibility of the National Universities Commission (NUC), and called for a balanced approach that upholds university autonomy while protecting public funds and academic standards.

Alausa traced the increase in accrediting bodies from just seven professional councils five decades ago to more than 25 today. He warned that this proliferation is hindering access and limiting institutional growth. “Access is no longer the major challenge—capacity is. These burdensome requirements are limiting student intake and reducing access,” he said.

He advocated the introduction of a standardised accreditation model featuring a five-year cycle, a two-to-three-day assessment window, and self-funded visits by professional bodies.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, supported the call for reform and urged stakeholders to adopt a unified framework that safeguards institutional roles while promoting accountability and quality.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, expressed concern over the duplication of accreditation responsibilities, warning that such practices damage the credibility of Nigeria’s higher education system. He called for a harmonised national approach, citing international best practices where professional bodies and universities either collaborate or operate with clearly defined responsibilities.

However, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Prof. Zacheus Opafunso, argued that professional bodies play a distinct and essential role in regulating qualifications in their respective fields and should be allowed to continue conducting accreditation exercises.