Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 13 new undergraduate programs aimed at positioning the country for future economic and technological leadership, with standout offerings in artificial intelligence, nuclear engineering, and robotics.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a strategic shift in higher education policy to align with global trends and national development priorities.

The new degrees—outlined in a circular signed by NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu—are part of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) framework. They include:

• B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence
• B.Eng. Nuclear Engineering
• B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
• B.Sc. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
• B.Sc. Environmental Management and Toxicology
• B.Sc. Marine Biology
• B.Sc. Astrophysics
• B.Sc. Biomedical Engineering
• B.Sc. Forensic Science
• B.Sc. Data Science and Analytics
• B.Sc. Cyber Security
• B.Sc. Robotics and Automation Engineering

Universities seeking to offer these programs must first demonstrate readiness—adequate laboratories, qualified faculty, and sustainable funding—before launching in the 2025/2026 academic session.

Ribadu emphasized that the approvals reflect President Bola Tinubu’s push for tech-driven development, noting that Nigeria’s youthful population—70% under age 30—requires forward-looking curricula to curb brain drain and stimulate growth in sectors like energy, security, and digital innovation.

Education experts welcomed the move as a break from traditional course offerings. “This could position Nigeria as an African hub for AI talent,” said Dr. Chinedu Okafor, a Lagos-based tech policy analyst. He pointed to potential job creation in emerging industries and the need to prepare graduates for Industry 4.0.

However, concerns remain. Analysts warn that without significant infrastructure upgrades, the rollout could falter. A 2024 NUC audit revealed that 40% of newly approved programs stalled due to underfunded labs and unreliable power supply. The Nigerian Academy of Science estimates ₦150 billion ($90 million) is needed nationwide to equip universities for the new disciplines.

Social media reactions were mixed—some praised the initiative as “future-proofing” Nigerian youth, while others mocked the nuclear engineering program as “reactor-less ambition.” Industry stakeholders have called for clarity on implementation timelines and support for public institutions.

With 2.5 million graduates entering a job market offering just 500,000 formal opportunities annually, the new programs represent both promise and pressure. As the first student intakes approach, the NUC’s approvals will test Tinubu’s education reform agenda and Nigeria’s readiness to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.