NUC gives green light for new programs at ESUT

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved five new full-time undergraduate programs at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). This starts from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The approval came after experts checked the university's resources. They wanted to make sure ESUT has enough human and material resources for the new programs.

A letter from Abubakar M Girei, the Director of Academic Planning, confirmed the approval on behalf of the NUC's Executive Secretary. The new programs include Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Intelligence and Security Studies, Data Science, and Software Engineering.

The NUC made it clear that this approval is only for full-time studies. Part-time studies are not included at this time.

ESUT must inform the NUC and get approval before starting part-time or postgraduate versions of these new undergraduate programs.

The NUC also reminded ESUT to keep providing enough human and material resources. This is to ensure the programs are effective, develop well, and are sustainable.

This approval comes at a time when Governor Peter Mbah's government is dedicating over 33 percent of Enugu State’s annual budget to education. There is a strong focus on science, technology, innovation, and digital skills. This is to help young people meet future job demands.

Governor Mbah has mentioned that his government is redesigning the state's education system. The aim is to prepare learners, from primary school to university, to create technology-driven solutions, compete globally, and engage in the digital economy. This is through the Smart Green Schools initiative.

To achieve this vision, the governor recently sent a team led by ESUT's Vice Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, to Doha, Qatar. They went to learn about global best practices in artificial intelligence, applied learning, and innovation ecosystems. The goal is to adapt and apply these models at ESUT.