Ajayi Crowther University Secures Full Accreditation for Nine Undergraduate Courses

When Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) announced that nine of its undergraduate programmes have just received full accreditation, the reaction on campus was part celebration, part relief. The news, confirmed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), means the university can now market these courses as meeting national quality standards – a boon for prospective students and a feather in the cap of its leadership.

Located along the busy Oyo‑Ogbomosho Expressway in Oyo, Oyo State, ACU was founded by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and is headed by Prof. Timothy Adebayo, Vice‑Chancellor. The accreditation visit took place in October and November 2024, and the formal announcement was delivered on behalf of Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC by Abraham Chundusu, Acting Director of Accreditation at the NUC. "This outcome reflects our commitment to academic excellence and integrity," Prof. Timothy Adebayo said, adding that the achievement would "strengthen our position as a leading institution in the delivery of world‑class education and research."

Background and the Accreditation Process

Under Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standard and Establishment of Institutions) Act CAP E3, the NUC is empowered to set minimum academic standards and to accredit programmes that meet them. The October‑November 2024 visit involved a team of external examiners who examined curricula, faculty qualifications, laboratory facilities, and student outcomes. After a thorough review, the panel issued a letter confirming that nine programmes satisfied the required benchmarks.

These nine programmes – Nursing, Environmental Health Science, Christian Religious Studies, History and International Studies, Music, Performing Arts, Law, Mathematics, and Statistics – are now officially recognised across Nigeria. The NUC also gave the green light to ACU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, signalling a broader confidence in the university’s postgraduate offerings.

Accredited Undergraduate Programs at a Glance

• Nursing – 4‑year Bachelor of Science
• Environmental Health Science – 4‑year B.Sc.
• Christian Religious Studies – 4‑year B.A.
• History and International Studies – 4‑year B.A.
• Music – 4‑year B.A.
• Performing Arts – 4‑year B.A.
• Law (LL.B.) – 5‑year programme
• Mathematics – 4‑year B.Sc.
• Statistics – 4‑year B.Sc.

Collectively these courses attract an estimated 2,300 new entrants each academic year, according to the university’s admissions office.

Other Faculties and Emerging Courses

Beyond the accredited list, ACU runs eleven faculties offering a total of more than 30 undergraduate options. The Faculty of Agriculture, created in 2020, now delivers four programmes: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, and Crop Science. The Faculty of Engineering offers Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering – each designed to meet Nigeria’s growing demand for skilled technologists.

The Faculty of Management Sciences provides five courses – Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Industrial Relations & Personnel Management – while the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences houses Environmental Health Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Radiography & Radiation Science.

Environmental Studies students can choose Architecture, Estate Management, Surveying & Geo‑informatics, or Urban & Regional Planning. Arts and Humanities include Christian Studies, Religious Studies (both with tuition concessions), History & International Studies, Music, and Performing Arts. Social Sciences round out the catalogue with Economics, Political Science, and Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution. Additional programmes mentioned in recent prospectuses are Actuarial Science and Biochemistry, though they have yet to receive full accreditation.

Admission Details for the 2024/2025 Session

Applications are now open for the 2024/2025 academic session. Prospects can apply via the Post‑UTME portal or submit Direct Entry forms for the programmes where they meet the required qualifications. Students who listed another university as their first choice on the JAMB portal but wish to switch to ACU must make the change before the portal closes on 15 December 2024.

For queries, the admissions office can be reached at [email protected], on WhatsApp at 08145920637, or by phone at 08104408768. The campus address is: Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Along Oyo‑Ogbomosho Expressway, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Implications for Students and Nigerian Higher Education

Full accreditation does more than add a stamp of approval; it unlocks federal funding for research, opens doors for student scholarships, and assures employers that graduates have met nationally recognised standards. For ACU’s current cohort, it means smoother pathways to internships in hospitals, law firms, and media houses that often require proof of programme accreditation.

Education analysts see this as a sign that private, faith‑based institutions can compete with public universities on quality. "The NUC’s rigorous assessment shows that ACU has invested heavily in faculty development and infrastructure," says Dr. Ngozi Okeke, Senior Lecturer in Education Policy at the University of Lagos. She adds that the move could encourage more private universities to seek full accreditation, raising the overall standard of higher education in the country.

Students from the northern regions, where access to accredited programmes is limited, may also benefit. The university’s emphasis on "the fear of God, sound academic development, excellent character formation, hard work, diligence and entrepreneurship" aligns with parental expectations and could boost enrollment from families seeking a values‑based education.