Joel Ajayi
The European University of Nigeria (EUN), Abuja, has unveiled a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at tackling structural deficiencies in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, as it prepares to hold its maiden matriculation ceremony on March 7, 2026.
Addressing journalists at the university campus in Duboyi District in Abuja, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Chinedum Ibezim, said the institution was established as a strategic response to persistent challenges confronting Nigerian universities, including unstable academic calendars, industrial actions, weak university–industry linkages, graduate unemployment and limited research commercialization.
Speaking on the theme, “Addressing the Gaps in Nigerian University Education: A Practical Reform Agenda,” Ibezim stressed that EUN represents a solution-driven model designed to deliver globally competitive education within Nigeria, thereby reducing the growing exodus of students and academics seeking opportunities abroad.
According to him, the university operates a European-aligned academic structure inspired by leading institutions such as European University of Cyprus, European University of Lisbon, European University of Switzerland, European University in Egypt, European University of Bangladesh, European University of Technology and the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.
He added that EUN engages visiting lecturers from Europe, including academics from the University of Birmingham, while discussions are ongoing to deepen research collaborations and exchange programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university currently offers 23 programmes fully approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and recognized by relevant professional bodies.
The programmes include Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science, Business Administration, Accountancy, Mass Communication, Anatomy, Public Health, Political Science and Information Technology.
He noted that candidates who score a minimum of 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are eligible to apply, describing the threshold as one of the most accessible among private universities in the country.
A major highlight of the reform agenda, Ibezim said, is guaranteed academic stability. “At EUN, the date of admission is clearly defined, and the graduation date is known from the outset. There are no strikes or industrial disruptions,” he stated, assuring parents and students of a predictable and uninterrupted academic calendar.
“To bridge the employability gap, the university has introduced a compulsory Learn-a-Skill initiative requiring every student to acquire at least one vocational or digital skill before graduation.
“The curriculum is technology-driven, with emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and Innovation Management. Students are also required to study at least one foreign language to enhance global competitiveness.
Beyond teaching, the university is prioritizing research with practical outcomes. Current innovation efforts include locally fabricated laboratory equipment, digital learning tools, drone technology development and computational drug research.
“Plans are underway to expand into environmental impact assessment services, pharmaceutical production and commercial research services.”
While acknowledging the stringent regulatory environment for private universities under the supervision of the NUC and professional councils, the Vice-Chancellor pointed out that private institutions do not benefit from TETFund allocations and are currently excluded from the NELFund student loan scheme.
Despite this, he maintained that EUN remains one of the most affordable private universities in Nigeria and offers merit-based and need-based scholarships.
On infrastructure, he highlighted modern laboratories, digital classrooms, well-furnished hostels, 24-hour electricity and water supply, comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, a functional medical centre, a pharmacy, sports facilities and a secure campus environment.
The institution, he added, operates a zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Professor Ibezim expressed confidence that within five years, EUN would rank among Nigeria’s leading institutions in Cybersecurity, Nursing, Pharmacy, Software Engineering and Law, while producing globally competitive and skill-driven graduates.
He formally invited members of the press and the public to the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, which will usher in the pioneer cohort of students.
Admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session are ongoing for candidates who scored 150 and above in UTME, with prospective students encouraged to select the European University of Nigeria, Abuja, as their first-choice institution.
