The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the accreditation of 21 new academic courses at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi.

Similarly, all courses offered at the Seven Colleges of Education and Polytechnics affiliated with ATBU have been approved.

Furthermore, the NUC has fully accredited all nine courses offered under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standard Enhancement Projects – Center of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) at the university.

The commission also gave approval for the establishment of three new faculties at ATBU: the Faculty of Computing, the Faculty of Dentistry, and the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences.

Director of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations , Zailani Bappa made the announcement in a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Wednessday.

According to the statement, Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Sani Usman Kunya, noted that the approvals came at a time when the university is striving for excellence in all academic pursuits.

Professor Kunya explained that the university sought accreditation for 25 courses from the NUC, of which 21 were fully accredited.

“Three courses received interim accreditation, and one course, Urban and Regional Planning, was denied accreditation.

“We are fully committed to addressing the challenges faced by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning,” said Professor Kunya.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor also assured that the university has made all necessary preparations for the successful launch of the new faculties and departments, adding that the university’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has successfully commenced academic session.