In what has been described as a historic feat, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, approval to begin Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes in Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science. The programmes will take-off at the Amai Campus of Novena University.
The approval, conveyed in a letter dated September 11, 2026, and signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Director, Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, followed a comprehensive resource verification exercise in which the University was adjudged to have met all requirements in faculty, laboratories, library, clinical postings and research facilities. Admission into the new programmes will commence immediately in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Novena University, the first private university in Delta State, was licenced in 2005 to complement public universities in providing access to professional education. The University currently enjoys Full Accreditation in both Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science, with its graduates inducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
The institution has since grown into a comprehensive health sciences university offering Fully Accredited courses in Nursing (B.N.Sc.), Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), and again in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Pharmacy (Pharm.D), Optometry (O.D.), Public Health (B.Sc. M.Sc. Ph.D.), Anatomy (B.Sc. M.Sc., Ph.D.), Physiology (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.), Biochemistry (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.) and Pharmacology (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.), alongside programmes in Law, Management and the Natural Sciences.
Reacting to the development, the elated Vice-Chancellor of Novena University, *Professor Godwin Chukuenweniwe Nduka*, described the approval as a historic validation of the University’s two-decade investment in quality healthcare education.
“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. For almost twenty years, Novena University, Ogume has quietly built a reputation for producing highly competent healthcare professionals. This approval now allows us to train at the highest postgraduate levels, healthcare specialists, researchers, educators and consultants who will strengthen Nigeria’s health system and remain globally competitive. Our goal is not just to award higher degrees, but to produce problem-solvers for our nation’s health challenges.”
Also speaking, the long-serving Registrar and Secretary to Council, “Reverend Linus Ilogho”, who has been part of the University’s journey from inception, said the approval reflects institutional stability and consistent compliance with regulatory standards.
“As someone who has served this University from its pioneering days, I can say this approval is the fruit of commitment, planning and unwavering adherence to NUC standards. We have grown from a bold idea in 2005 to a fully accredited university whose graduates are accepted nationally and internationally. This new postgraduate window is another promise kept. We have the governance structure, the records, and the administrative systems to ensure these programmes run seamlessly and credibly.”
The pioneer and incumbent Provost of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, “Professor Charles Ofili”, said the approval will significantly address the dearth of postgraduate training opportunities for nurses and medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria.
“Nigeria loses many qualified nurses and laboratory scientists who travel abroad in search of postgraduate specialization. Today, Novena University provides a credible home-grown alternative. With our fully functional laboratories, simulation suites, and affiliated teaching hospitals, we are ready to train PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. holders who can lead departments, drive research, and improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care. This is a major boost to our capacity to retain and upskill health talent for Nigeria, while also training professionals whose qualifications meet global standards in the UK, US, Canada and beyond.”
In his own remarks, the Director of Protocols and Communications, *Dr. Emmanuel Odishika*, said the approval positions Novena University as a key player in Nigeria’s human capital export strategy.
“We are not just training for local hospitals; we are training for the world. Novena-trained graduates, nurses and medical laboratory scientists are already making us proud in hospitals across globe. With PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. now provided here in our Novena University, we are giving our professionals the academic ladder to attain leadership roles globally and earn foreign exchange for the country. This is positive news for Delta State and for Nigeria’s educational tourism and health diplomacy.”
The management of Novena University confirmed that its postgraduate school is now accepting enquiries for the 2026/2027 session and called on practicing nurses, medical laboratory scientists and other health professionals seeking career advancement to take advantage of the opportunity.
