Professor Jacinta Opara records major milestones at Dominican University, Ibadan

By Emeka Asinugo

In the ever-evolving higher education landscape of Nigeria, official letters from regulatory bodies can sometimes feel like dense legal documents, far removed from the everyday concerns of students, parents, and the general public. Not a recent letter dated April 7, 2026, with reference number NUC/ES/412/VOL. 14/323, addressed to the Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Ibadan. But even that one carried significant implications that deserve clear explanation and thoughtful reflection.

In the correspondence, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, invoked Section 1 (10) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. This law empowers the NUC to set minimum academic standards for all programmes in Nigerian universities and to ensure that those standards are met through accreditation exercises.

For the sake of those who do not know, accreditation is the process by which the NUC evaluates whether a university’s academic programmes meet nationally approved benchmarks. These benchmarks cover such areas as curriculum quality, teaching staff qualifications, infrastructure, learning resources and the institution’s governance. Without accreditation, a programme lacks official recognition, and degrees awarded under such conditions may not be considered valid for employment or further studies.

The letter revealed that the NUC conducted an accreditation exercise at Dominican University, Ibadan, in October and November 2025. The outcome was encouraging. Several key programmes received full accreditation statuses. These include Accounting and Business Administration under Administration and Management; Philosophy under Arts and Humanities; Mass Communication under Communication Arts and Media Studies and Computer Science under Computing. Importantly, this full accreditation is valid for five years.

For the ordinary Nigerian, what does “full accreditation” really mean? It means that the programmes have met or exceeded the NUC’s standards in all critical areas. Students enrolled in these courses can be confident that they are receiving quality education, comparable to what is obtainable in other recognized universities across the country. Employers, too, can trust that graduates from these programmes possess the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully in the workplace.

The importance of accreditation in Nigeria, or indeed in any other country, cannot be overstated. First, it safeguards academic quality. Universities are held accountable to national standards, ensuring that education does not become arbitrary or substandard. Second, it protects students and their families, who invest time and money into higher education, from being shortchanged. Third, it enhances mobility and recognition. Accredited degrees are more readily accepted both locally and internationally, opening doors for graduates in terms of employment and further education. Accreditation also drives institutional improvement. Universities are encouraged to continually upgrade their facilities, recruit qualified lecturers, and refine their curricula to meet evolving global standards. In this sense, accreditation is not merely a regulatory requirement, it is a catalyst for growth and excellence.

Against this backdrop, the achievement of Dominican University, Ibadan, becomes even more noteworthy. Securing full accreditation for multiple programmes is no small feat, especially within a relatively short period. It reflects deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and a commitment to quality.

This brings us to the leadership of the university, particularly its Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacinta Opara. Since she assumed office on 1 July 2024, she has evidently demonstrated a clear vision for academic excellence and institutional development. Achieving full accreditation for key programmes within such a timeframe suggests effective coordination among faculty, administrators, and stakeholders. Professor Opara’s accomplishment deserves commendation not only within the university community but across the Nigerian higher education sector. Leadership in academia is often tested by the ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes. In this case, the outcome is clear: programmes that meet national standards and inspire confidence among students and the public.

A brief look at Professor Opara’s background might help to explain this success. Known for her academic rigour and administrative competence, she has built a reputation as a scholar committed to both intellectual development and institutional growth. Her career reflects a blend of teaching, research, and leadership experience, positioning her well to steer a young university toward national relevance and recognition. Under her guidance, Dominican University is obviously aligning itself with best practices in higher education. The accreditation results suggest that the university is not merely seeking to exist but to excel. This distinction matters. In a country with a rapidly expanding number of universities, quality, not quantity, remains the true measure of progress.

It is also worth noting that accreditation is not a one-time achievement. The five-year validity period means that the university must sustain and, ideally, improve upon its current standards. Continuous investment in infrastructure, faculty development, and curriculum review will be essential. The NUC will return for re-accreditation, and the expectation will be even higher. For students and parents considering Dominican University, Ibadan, the accreditation results provide reassurance. They signal that the institution is serious about delivering value. For policymakers and education stakeholders, they offer an example of how leadership and compliance with regulatory standards can yield positive outcomes.

The NUC’s letter to Dominican University is more than an administrative update. It is a statement about quality assurance in Nigerian higher education. It highlights the critical role of accreditation in maintaining standards, protecting stakeholders, and promoting excellence. Most importantly, it presents an opportunity to celebrate effective leadership. Professor Jacinta Opara has, in a relatively short time, guided her institution to achieve full accreditation in several important programmes. This accomplishment deserves recognition and appreciation.

And so, we congratulate you, Professor Jacinta Opara, on this significant milestone. Your efforts have not only strengthened your university but have also contributed to the broader goal of improving higher education in Nigeria. The challenge now is to build on this success and continue setting a standard that others can aspire to follow.