CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP:PROF. ABDULLAHI RIBADU AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, NUC

As Nigeria’s higher education sector continues its journey toward renewal, modernization, and global competitiveness, one name has stood out over the past year—Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). His first anniversary in office marks not just a milestone in leadership, but a period defined by bold reforms, measurable impact, and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an era where the quality of university education determines a nation’s developmental trajectory, Prof. Ribadu has demonstrated clarity of vision, strength of character, and an unwavering commitment to reposition Nigeria’s university system for innovation, excellence, and global relevance.

Strengthening Quality Assurance and Academic Standards

One of Prof. Ribadu’s earliest priorities was restoring public confidence in the quality of Nigerian university degrees. Under his leadership, the NUC intensified accreditation exercises across federal, state, and private institutions.
Through stricter compliance monitoring and the deployment of better-trained accreditation panels, the Commission has ensured that universities adhere to modern academic benchmarks. These efforts align squarely with President Tinubu’s drive to uphold integrity, accountability, and efficiency in public institutions.

Advancing Curriculum Reform for a Modern Economy

In support of the administration’s goal of building a skilled, productive and globally competitive workforce, Prof. Ribadu has accelerated implementation of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
The updated curriculum emphasizes practical learning, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, research skills, and industry relevance—ensuring that Nigerian graduates are better prepared for contemporary challenges and opportunities.

This reform directly complements the Renewed Hope Agenda for economic expansion, job creation, and national competitiveness.

Expanding Access and Strengthening University Governance

Recognizing Nigeria’s growing demand for higher education, the NUC under Prof. Ribadu has advanced policies that responsibly increase access while safeguarding quality.
His tenure has seen improved licensing procedures for new universities, clearer governance guidelines, and a stronger emphasis on accountability in management structures.

By promoting stable, transparent, and well-managed institutions, Prof. Ribadu contributes to President Tinubu’s wider reforms aimed at restoring credibility in government agencies and ensuring value for public funds.

Innovation, Research, and Digital Transformation

A key plank of the Renewed Hope Agenda is repositioning Nigeria for innovation-driven growth. Prof. Ribadu has championed stronger collaboration between universities and industry, enhanced support for research activities, and the digitalization of NUC operations.

Through phased digitization of accreditation processes, improved data management systems, and support for virtual learning frameworks, he has helped modernize the regulatory environment and encourage universities to embrace technology in teaching, administration, and research.

Promoting Stable Academic Calendars and University Autonomy

The Executive Secretary has worked quietly but effectively to strengthen dialogue between university unions, governing councils, and management teams—helping to reduce disruptions and improve academic stability.
By promoting responsible autonomy and improved internal governance, Prof. Ribadu aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to an environment where productivity can flourish without recurring instability.

Upholding Ethical Standards and Combating Malpractices

Prof. Ribadu’s administration has taken strong steps to address unethical practices in the system:

Irregular admissions

Substandard satellite campuses

Fake affiliations

Certificate racketeering

Abuse in process of awarding Doctorate Degrees

Through enforcement and sanitization measures, the NUC has reaffirmed its role as Nigeria’s foremost guardian of academic quality. This culture of integrity mirrors the national leadership’s broader campaign against institutional decay.

A Year of Stability, Reform and Renewed Hope

In just one year, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu has demonstrated what visionary leadership can achieve in an institution as central to national development as the NUC.
His achievements reflect the goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:

Better governance

Quality service delivery

Youth empowerment

Digital transformation

Accountability and transparency

As Nigeria charts a new future for its education sector, Prof. Ribadu’s work stands as proof that meaningful change is possible when competence meets commitment.

His first year in office is worth celebrating—not only for the reforms achieved, but for the promise it holds for the future of Nigerian higher education.

Indeed, one year after, the National Universities Commission is stronger, more focused, and more aligned with the national vision for renewed hope.

Abdul Ibrahim
07.12.2025
(public analyst and PR consultant)
Abuja Nigeria