NUC Approves Cyber Security, AI, Data Science – 14 New Programmes For Federal University Lokoja
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 14 new undergraduate academic programmes for Federal University Lokoja (FUL), including B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, B.Sc. Cyber Security, B.Sc. Data Science, B.Sc. Software Engineering, and B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies. The approval, conveyed in a letter dated June 16, 2026, takes effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Who is affected by this approval?
Prospective candidates seeking admission into Federal University Lokoja for the 2026/2027 academic session can now apply for these new programmes. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, praised the approval as a “significant affirmation” of the university’s academic expansion.
What are the newly approved programmes?
The 14 programmes are:
- B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence
- B.Sc. Cyber Security
- B.Sc. Social Work
- B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies
- B.Sc. Software Engineering
- B.Sc. Data Science
- B.Sc. Psychology
- B.Sc. Procurement Management
- B.Sc. Entrepreneurship Studies
- B.Sc. Actuarial Science
- B.Sc. Film and Multimedia Studies
- B.Sc. Broadcasting Journalism
- B.Sc. Fisheries and Aquaculture
- B.Sc. Agricultural Economics
Where will these programmes be offered?
They will be offered at the University’s main campus in Lokoja, Kogi State, in full-time mode.
When do the programmes take effect?
From the 2026/2027 academic session. Prospective candidates can apply once the programmes are uploaded on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
Why is this approval significant?
Because it positions Federal University Lokoja as a hub for emerging and technology-driven fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cyber Security. These disciplines are shaping the future of work and global competitiveness. The university is aligning with national and global workforce demands.
How can candidates apply for these programmes?
Once the programmes are uploaded on JAMB CAPS, candidates can apply through the normal admission process. Those already admitted into other programmes can also apply for a change of programme through the appropriate admission channels.
5 key takeaways from NUC’s approval of 14 new programmes for FUL.
1. Federal University Lokoja is now offering AI, Cyber Security, and Data Science – a major step forward. These are not traditional courses. They are future-focused disciplines. Students who graduate from these programmes will be competitive in the global job market. The university is preparing students for the future, not the past.
2. The approval follows a resource verification exercise by the NUC. The Commission did not just approve the programmes without scrutiny. A panel of experts visited the university, assessed its facilities, staff, and capacity, and confirmed that it could run the programmes effectively. That is a quality assurance process.
3. The programmes align with national development priorities. Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Data Science are critical for national security, economic growth, and technological advancement. By offering these courses, FUL is contributing to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
4. Candidates can apply for a change of programme. Students who may have applied for other courses at FUL can switch to the new programmes. That provides flexibility and gives students the opportunity to study emerging fields.
5. The VC is committed to investment in quality teaching and infrastructure. Professor Ibileye assured that the university would invest in quality teaching, research, infrastructure, and human capital development. The programmes will not be launched without proper preparation.
How this affects prospective students.
i. Candidates now have more options at FUL. The university has expanded its academic portfolio. Students interested in technology, security, media, and social sciences now have more choices.
ii. Students can switch to new programmes. Those who have already applied for other courses at FUL may be able to change to the new programmes. They should check with the admissions office for guidance.
iii. The programmes are full-time – not part-time or online. Students must be physically present on the main campus in Lokoja. This is important for planning accommodation and logistics.
iv. The programmes will be uploaded on JAMB CAPS. Candidates must apply through JAMB. They cannot apply directly to the university without JAMB registration.
v. The university must now deliver on the promise. Approval is one thing. Implementation is another. The university must hire qualified lecturers, equip laboratories, and develop curricula. Students will judge the programmes by their quality – not just their names.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To prospective candidates: if you are interested in AI, Cyber Security, or Data Science, consider Federal University Lokoja. These are future-focused programmes. Apply early.
2. To candidates already admitted to other programmes: check if you can switch to any of the new courses. This could be a better fit for your career goals.
3. To Federal University Lokoja: invest in lecturers, equipment, and infrastructure. Students will not be impressed by programme names alone. They need quality teaching and learning resources.
4. To the NUC: continue to approve programmes that align with national development. Technology, security, and media are critical sectors. More universities should offer these courses.
5. To the Nigerian government: support universities that offer technology-driven programmes. Provide funding for laboratories, research, and faculty development. Nigeria needs a skilled workforce.
A question to make you reflect.
If Federal University Lokoja can now offer Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Data Science – but many Nigerian universities still lack basic laboratory equipment – which institutions are truly preparing students for the future?
The honest answer is that some universities are moving forward. Others are stagnant. FUL is making a strategic investment in technology education. But approval is not implementation. The university must now deliver. Other universities should learn from FUL’s ambition – and match it.
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Akahi News gathered that the NUC has approved 14 new programmes for Federal University Lokoja. Artificial Intelligence. Cyber Security. Data Science. Software Engineering. These are the fields of the future. The university is now accepting applications. The 2026/2027 academic session will be a turning point. The university has the approval. Now it must deliver the quality.
