OYO, Nigeria — The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of six new undergraduate programmes for Ajayi Crowther University, including Artificial Intelligence and Anatomy, as part of the institution’s ongoing academic expansion and commitment to producing graduates equipped for contemporary challenges.
The approval marks a significant milestone for the faith-based private university, which has steadily grown its academic portfolio since receiving its operating licence in 2005. The six new programmes are expected to commence in the upcoming academic session, following the university’s compliance with NUC resource verification requirements.
According to university sources, the newly approved programmes include Artificial Intelligence, Anatomy, and four other courses aimed at meeting the growing demand for specialised skills in emerging fields. The NUC granted the approvals after thorough assessments of the university’s facilities, faculty, and curriculum to ensure compliance with the commission’s quality assurance benchmarks.
Ajayi Crowther University, established on the premises of the former St. Andrews College in Oyo, Oyo State, is owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). The university has consistently expanded its academic offerings since its inception, with previous approvals including Nursing, Law, Engineering, and Medicine. The NUC had earlier endorsed the institution to initiate a full-time nursing programme in November 2022.
The approval of Artificial Intelligence reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for the digital economy, following a trend among Nigerian higher education institutions to incorporate technology-driven disciplines. Anatomy, a foundational medical science, underscores the university’s continued investment in health sciences education.
The NUC, as the regulatory body for university education in Nigeria, is responsible for granting approval for all academic programmes run in Nigerian universities and ensuring quality assurance of all academic offerings. The commission’s approval process involves rigorous assessment of infrastructure, staffing, and curriculum to ensure that programmes meet national and international standards.
Ajayi Crowther University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy A. Adebayo, had previously emphasised the institution’s commitment to cultivating graduates with both intellectual and moral excellence to meet the challenges of the global market. The new programme approvals are expected to further enhance the university’s academic standing and attract students seeking cutting-edge education.
The university, ranked 89th in the country in 2023, has 11 faculties offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across agriculture, engineering, natural sciences, management sciences, social sciences, humanities, and law. The addition of these programmes brings the institution closer to its vision of becoming a comprehensive university offering diverse academic disciplines.
As the NUC continues to approve new programmes across Nigerian universities under the leadership of newly appointed Chairman, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, the regulatory body is expected to prioritise programmes that align with national development goals and global competitiveness.
