The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval to Iconic Open University, a privately owned institution based in Sokoto, to commence a new suite of postgraduate programmes aimed at expanding the frontiers of open and distance learning in Nigeria. This development was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Registrar of the university, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi.
In the statement, Dr. Sanusi emphasized that the approval represents a major stride in the university’s vision to democratize access to quality education. He described the move as a significant boost not only to the institution’s reputation but also to the national efforts to deepen alternative modes of learning that accommodate students from all walks of life.
The newly approved postgraduate programmes include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Information Technology (MIT), Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology. These programmes, according to the registrar, were developed to address the dynamic needs of today’s global workforce and ensure relevance in a fast-evolving world.
Additional courses granted approval include the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy, and the Master of Crime Management and Security Studies. Dr. Sanusi noted that these were carefully designed to meet the increasing demand for professionals with deep insight into global governance, diplomatic practice, and security administration.
On the undergraduate front, the NUC has also approved two new degree programmes: Bachelor of Education in Educational Management (B.Ed.) and Bachelor of Environmental Health Science (B.EHS). These additions mark another critical step in the university’s efforts to deliver well-rounded education across multiple disciplines, catering to both immediate and future societal needs.
According to Dr. Sanusi, the approval confirms Iconic Open University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity. “It reflects our strict adherence to the NUC’s rigorous benchmarks and academic standards,” he remarked. “It is a validation of our model of learning, which blends flexibility with quality.”
Sanusi added that the university has distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s pioneering providers of open and distance education, with robust offerings in health sciences, management, information technology, and the humanities. This distinction, he said, is evident in the growing number of applicants and partnerships both locally and internationally.
He further encouraged prospective postgraduate students to take advantage of the new opportunities by visiting the university’s official website for detailed information regarding admissions, course content, and study options. He stressed that each programme is structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time learners without compromising quality.
“The approval from NUC is not just symbolic. It confirms that Iconic Open University has the facilities, human resources, and academic vision necessary to deliver postgraduate training that meets global standards,” Sanusi said. “We are determined to train graduates who can compete favorably in the national and international job markets.”
In closing, Dr. Sanusi thanked the NUC for its support and trust in the institution’s capabilities. He also reiterated the university’s commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and the pursuit of academic excellence through open and distance learning mechanisms.
