Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, has secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes in Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science.
The approval, contained in a letter dated September 11, 2026, and signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, followed a comprehensive resource verification exercise by the commission.
The university said it was adjudged to have met the required standards in faculty, laboratories, library resources, clinical postings and research facilities.
The new programmes will be offered at the university’s Amai Campus and are expected to commence in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Godwin C Nduka, described the approval as a major milestone in the institution’s development and its contribution to healthcare education in Nigeria.
Nduka said the approval would enable the university to train healthcare specialists, researchers, educators and consultants capable of addressing emerging challenges in the nation’s health sector.
“We are deeply elated by this NUC approval. It is historic for us and a clear endorsement of our academic rigour, infrastructure and faculty depth,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the university’s objective was not merely to award higher degrees but to produce professionals capable of developing solutions to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Rev. Linus Ilogho, said the approval reflected the university’s sustained commitment to institutional development, planning and compliance with regulatory standards.
Similarly, the Provost of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ofili, said the programmes would provide additional opportunities for nurses and medical laboratory scientists seeking advanced training within Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative would help strengthen the country’s capacity to retain and develop skilled health professionals.
Novena University, licensed in 2005, is the first private university in Delta State. It offers programmes across health sciences, law, management and natural sciences, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Optometry, Public Health, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology.
