THE National Universities Commission has confirmed that it approved the running of online degrees through the newly introduced Nigerian Universities e-Learning programme in four federal universities.
The four universities as listed by the commission are the University of Uyo; National Open University of Nigeria; Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and University of Maiduguri.
Director, Information and Public Relations of NUC, Mr Ibrahim Yakasai, however, warned that the commission maintains its stand that online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment.
He added this ban does not include the four universities earlier mentioned, which have been duly approved by the commission as the pilot institutions for the Nigerian universities e-Learning programme run within the shores of Nigeria.
NUC had blacklisted about 57 illegal universities in Nigeria, with some of them running online degree programmes in affiliation with some foreign universities.
But Yakasai said the Nigerian Universities e-Learning Programme is a legitimate and well thought-out pilot e-Learning initiative. It is a public-private-partnership between NUC, Park Associates e-Learning Group and the four federal universities.
He added that its goal is to provide new opportunities for students to access university education in Nigeria.
He said the students enrolled for the programme could select any of the following undergraduate degree programmes: Economics, Banking & Finance, Accounting, Business Administration and Marketing, for which they have requisite qualifications.
NUC in its weekly bulletin obtained by the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja said: “The Commission wishes to use this medium to allay all fears and doubts concerning the legitimacy or NUC endorsement of the Nigerian Universities e-Learning Programme.
“This is one of the avenues that the National Universities Commission is exploring to increase access to university education without compromising quality.
“Students in the programme are therefore advised to continue to pursue their studies without fear, and prospective applicants are encouraged to enrol.
“Concerned parents, guardians, students and the general public may contact the commission for further clarification on the programme,” it said.
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