The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted an operational licence to Maria Assumpta University, Owerri, paving the way for the commencement of academic activities at the institution.
The approval marks the successful completion of a multi-year licensing process undertaken by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri to establish the university.
The journey began in July 2023 when the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius I. Ugorji, accompanied by members of the university’s technical committee, formally submitted a Letter of Intent to the National Universities Commission in Abuja.
Following a series of verification and accreditation exercises, the NUC confirmed that the university had satisfied the required standards relating to infrastructure, academic programmes and administrative structures, leading to the issuance of its operational licence.
With the approval, Maria Assumpta University is now authorised to commence academic programmes and admit its pioneer students.
Speaking on the development, the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri described the approval as a major milestone in its mission to expand access to quality higher education while promoting moral values, faith-based learning and academic excellence.
The university is expected to provide students with globally competitive education rooted in sound ethical, cultural and religious values, while contributing to human capital development in Imo State and Nigeria.
The Archdiocese noted that the establishment of the institution reflects its long-standing commitment to educational advancement and the development of young people capable of competing successfully in an increasingly globalised world.
The approval adds Maria Assumpta University to the growing number of private universities established to expand tertiary education opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s higher education sector.
