The National Universities Commission or NUC as it is sometimes called in Nigeria began operations in 1962. It came into being as one of the recommendations of the Ashby Commission which also recommended creation of new federal universities. NUC initially operated as a supervisory body in the development of university education in Nigeria. At inception, NUC was created by executive action and was initially placed under the Cabinet's Office. The pioneer chairman was the Emir of Yauri, Alhaji Tukur who was succeeded by Rotimi Williams. During the early period of operation, performing the objectives of the organization was hampered by the legal structure of its foundation, as NUC was a non-statutory body within the Cabinet's Office while university education during the First Republic was within the concurrent list. After the military came to power in 1966, NUC was empowered to conduct coordination activities within the federal university system. In 1974, a new legislation restructured NUC to become fully a statutory body headed by an Executive Secretary. Under Jubril Aminu as secretary, NUC established an overseas office to coordinate recruitment of staff for newly established universities. Between 1975 and 1998, NUC's involvement in the administration of universities gradually grew, it became influential in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, members of university governing councils and managed the establishment of new faculties and course offerings. In 1985, it was saddled with additional responsibilities to set minimum academic standards and inspect and vet course offerings in universities. In 1999, a new democratic government granted some autonomy to universities governing councils.
Key objectives
Advice executive on the financial needs of universities.
Coordinate the development of universities in Nigeria.
Allocate and disburse federal grants and external aids to universities.
Research and advice executive on topics relating to higher education development in Nigeria.
Advice executive on creation of degree granting institutions.
Advice government on creation of faculties within Nigerian universities
Administration
Activities
In 2002, NUC conducted an accreditation and quality survey and ranking of state and federal universities. The organization has established as electronic network to link research activities within universities to one another.
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Granting approval for all academic programmes run in Nigerian universities;
Granting approval for the establishment of all higher educational institutions offering degree programmes in Nigerian universities;
Ensure quality assurance of all academic programmes offered in Nigerian universities; and
