The Senate on Thursday commenced moves to strengthen the National Universities Commission (NUC) to effectively address academic violations in tertiary institutions across the country, citing growing concerns over weak oversight, proliferating private universities and allegations of misconduct in the university system.
The bill would repeal and replace the National Universities Commission Act, giving the NUC stronger tools to enforce academic standards, penalize violations—including criminal sanctions where warranted—and affirm its role as the principal accreditor of university programs.
The bill passed a second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund for further review.
Lawmakers said the existing law, rooted in the commission’s establishment in the 1970s, has failed to keep pace with changes in higher education.
They also pointed to the expansion of private universities, the rise of “transactional education,” technological change and the globalization of academic institutions as reasons for an overhaul.
The proposal, an executive bill sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was presented by Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno in Bamidele’s absence.
He said the measure would also seek to protect institutional autonomy by balancing regulatory oversight with greater freedom for universities over academic and administrative affairs.
The legislation would further modernize the NUC’s governance and address funding weaknesses by encouraging diversified revenue sources and improved resource management, according to senators who debated the bill.
In another development, the Senate ordered an immediate investigation into Tansian University in Umunya, Anambra State, following allegations of administrative excesses and possible noncompliance with NUC requirements.
The inquiry, prompted by a motion from Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, will examine the university’s alleged disregard for regulatory procedures, particularly in the appointment and dismissal of staff.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the relevant committee to investigate and report its findings to the Senate.
Akpabio said Parliament has an oversight duty to help the NUC enforce standards across both public and private universities.
He said where an institution is found to have broken the law, the National Assembly could recommend action to the president, including the closure of the university.
The bill’s referral to committee marks an early but consequential step in a broader effort to tighten control over a university sector that has expanded rapidly—and, lawmakers argue, outgrown its regulatory framework.
