In a major development for the Nigerian higher education sector, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially granted approval for the reintroduction of management degree programmes at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). This significant decision marks the end of an eight-year suspension period that had restricted the university from offering business-related courses.
The NUC’s approval represents a major policy shift that reinforces the Commission’s renewed flexibility in allowing specialized universities to diversify their academic offerings while maintaining their core mandates.
Background: Why the Programmes Were Initially Suspended
The journey to this milestone began in 2017 when the NUC directed all specialized universities—such as universities of agriculture, technology, and education—to discontinue academic programmes that were considered outside their original mandates.
For FUNAAB, this meant the suspension of courses in the management and business disciplines, which were previously offered under the College of Management Sciences (COLMAS). The decision, though controversial, was aimed at ensuring that specialized institutions focused strictly on their founding objectives—in this case, agriculture and agricultural sciences.
However, over the years, stakeholders in academia and the business community consistently advocated for the reintroduction of these programmes, citing the growing intersection between agriculture, business, and economics in today’s globalized economy.
Newly Approved Programmes by the NUC
Following a thorough evaluation and institutional review, the NUC has now approved the return of the following degree programmes to FUNAAB:
| Programme | Degree Awarded |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
| Banking and Finance | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
| Business Administration | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
| Economics | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
In addition to these four undergraduate courses, the Commission also granted approval for a new Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme in Agroecology, highlighting the university’s growing commitment to sustainability and environmental management in agriculture.
New College Structure: COLMAS Becomes COLENDS
To align with its renewed focus on entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary education, the university has rebranded its former College of Management Sciences (COLMAS) as the College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies (COLENDS).
This restructuring reflects FUNAAB’s broader vision of integrating agricultural innovation with entrepreneurship, development, and business management—skills essential for national economic transformation.
According to university authorities, the new college will serve as a hub for training students who can bridge the gap between agricultural production and business innovation, particularly in areas such as agri-finance, agribusiness management, and sustainable development.
Implications for Students and the Nigerian Education System
The reintroduction of these management degree programmes is expected to attract a new wave of prospective students who aspire to build careers that combine agricultural expertise with strong business acumen.
Students will now have the opportunity to pursue professional disciplines like Accounting and Business Administration within a university that is deeply rooted in agricultural innovation—offering a unique blend of practical and theoretical knowledge.
For Nigeria’s education sector, this move reflects the NUC’s evolving understanding of the modern economy, where interdisciplinary education is increasingly vital. The approval also sends a clear message that specialized universities can diversify responsibly without compromising their foundational mandates.
FUNAAB’s Position: A Step Toward Educational Diversification
The management of FUNAAB has expressed immense gratitude to the NUC for the approval, describing it as a monumental step toward expanding the university’s academic horizon.
University officials highlighted that the institution is fully prepared to commence the programmes immediately, having upgraded its facilities, classrooms, and faculty structures to meet the Commission’s rigorous accreditation standards.
With the reintroduction of these programmes, FUNAAB is positioning itself as a dynamic and forward-thinking institution capable of nurturing graduates who can compete globally—especially in areas that merge agriculture, economics, and management sciences.
Admissions to Commence for the 2025/2026 Academic Session
According to reports, admission into the reintroduced degree programmes is expected to begin with the 2025/2026 academic session. Prospective students are advised to stay alert for official admission announcements from the university.
The reactivation of these programmes also means that candidates seeking admission through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) can now select FUNAAB as their preferred institution for courses in Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, and Banking & Finance.
Why This Decision Matters
This approval carries deeper implications beyond academics—it represents a recognition that modern agriculture is no longer confined to the farm. Today’s agricultural success depends on strong business principles, sound financial management, and effective entrepreneurship.
By reintroducing management degree programmes, FUNAAB is setting a precedent for how specialized universities can evolve to address national development challenges through diversified education.
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Future for Specialized Universities
The NUC’s approval signals a broader national trend of balancing specialization with flexibility. Other universities of agriculture and technology may soon follow suit, introducing complementary programmes that support innovation, management, and enterprise development.
For FUNAAB, this milestone marks not just a return to past academic offerings but a bold step into a future where agriculture, management, and entrepreneurship coexist harmoniously to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
