NUC and World Bank Sign $65M Deal for University Governance

The National Universities Commission (NUC) signed a $65 million performance contract with the World Bank on Wednesday in Abuja, aimed at boosting governance standards in Nigerian universities. The initiative seeks to strengthen procurement and social governance standards nationwide.

Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of NUC, stated that this additional financing phase marks a new chapter in enhancing Nigeria's capacity in procurement and social safeguards. The project aims to address critical gaps in the Nigerian university system, particularly the shortage of skilled professionals in procurement and social safeguards.

Six centers of excellence will be established across the geopolitical zones, supported by the NUC and the World Bank. The project has already achieved significant milestones since its inception in 2021, including the development of curricula for postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees.

The centers are expected to enroll at least 60 PhD students and facilitate 60 student exchange programs with foreign institutions, including interest from Gambia.