NUC Approves Reintroduction of Management Programmes at FUNAAB After Seven-Year Hiatus

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), approval to reintroduce management science programmes that were suspended in 2018 following a federal directive restricting specialized universities to core disciplines.

In a statement issued by the Acting Head of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the university confirmed that the NUC’s decision followed a successful resource verification visit. The approval letter, dated October 17, was signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Acting Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu.

The NUC has approved the reintroduction of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, and Economics, as well as a new M.Sc. Agroecology programme.

Olajide described the development as a “major milestone” for the university’s academic expansion, stating that it aligns with global trends in agribusiness and entrepreneurship education.

“With this approval, the university will resume admissions into these programmes under the College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies (COLENDS) from the 2025/2026 academic session,” he announced.

The approval comes after years of student and staff advocacy for the reinstatement of management science courses. In 2021, the university Senate rebranded the College of Management Sciences (COLMAS) as COLENDS to promote entrepreneurship-driven education.

Observers say the reinstatement could help FUNAAB attract a wider pool of students while promoting innovation at the intersection of agriculture, business, and economic development.