A new private university, Omega University, Kaduna, has received an operational licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC), clearing the institution to commence academic activities and admit its pioneer students in the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, presented the licence to the promoters and management of the university during a ceremony held on Friday in Abuja.
The approval officially changes Omega University’s status from a proposed institution to a fully licensed university authorised to operate in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Ribadu congratulated the promoters for meeting the Commission’s regulatory requirements, describing the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for the institution.
“Today marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new era. You have crossed all the hurdles. The university is approved and no longer proposed,” Ribadu declared.
He disclosed that the university had been approved to commence operations with 10 undergraduate academic programmes and said there was no reason it should not begin admitting students for the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to ensuring that all licensed universities comply with established standards capable of producing globally competitive graduates.
The NUC boss also announced that Kaduna State University (KASU) would serve as Omega University’s mentor institution, providing academic guidance, technical support and institutional mentorship during its formative years.
He urged the university’s management to maintain the standards that earned it the licence.
“The challenge before you now is to sustain the standards that earned you this licence. Quality must remain your watchword because that is what the Commission expects from every university operating in Nigeria,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the promoters, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, expressed appreciation to the NUC for what he described as its professionalism, transparency and support throughout the licensing process.
He assured the Commission that Omega University would operate strictly within approved regulations and uphold academic excellence and institutional integrity.
“Like the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we have kept everything the Executive Secretary has said in our hearts. We will ensure that we do everything required so that we will not bring shame to ourselves or to the Commission,” Hayab said.
He added that the faith-based institution would be guided by the principles of excellence, integrity, accountability and service to humanity.
“We do not just want to establish another university. We want to build an institution that will stand the test of time, contribute meaningfully to nation building and make significant impact in Nigeria’s education sector,” he said.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of Omega University and President of Messengers Foundation, the community outreach arm of Restoration Ministries, Rev. Dr. Tunde Bolanta, described the approval as the fulfilment of a long-held vision.
“Today we are here to collect the licence. After a long journey, it has finally come to pass. We have been on this for a long time, but by the grace of God we are here at the NUC receiving the licence,” he said.
Bolanta said the university had completed the necessary preparations to begin academic activities immediately and would admit its pioneer students during the current admission cycle.
He disclosed that the institution had put in place the facilities, infrastructure and administrative structures required by the Commission and pledged that tuition fees would remain affordable without compromising quality.
“We are putting in place processes and plans that will make it possible for students to pay as they go. We want to make quality university education accessible to many Nigerians,” he said.
Welcoming the appointment of Kaduna State University as the institution’s mentor university, Bolanta said the proximity of both institutions would promote collaboration in academic development, research and staff training.
“We are fortunate that Kaduna State University will mentor us. Being in the same state gives us the opportunity to work closely together for positive results,” he said.
He also assured prospective students and parents that Omega University would deliver world-class education founded on discipline, innovation, entrepreneurship and moral values.
“This is going to be a world-class university. We will provide quality education, build a better Nigeria and raise God-fearing graduates who will champion development in every sector of society. Our goal is excellence, quality and the highest standards,” Bolanta said.
With the operational licence secured, Omega University is expected to commence admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session, joining the growing number of private universities established to expand access to higher education in Nigeria.
