Ikom, Cross River State — In a landmark achievement for Havilla University, the institution has secured full accreditation for its Nursing Science program, reinforcing its growing reputation in health-sciences education and strengthening its commitment to producing highly qualified healthcare professionals.
Accreditation Success
According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Havilla University’s Nursing Science program underwent a rigorous evaluation in November 2024, receiving full accreditation status. nuc.edu.ng
The NUC panel highlighted several areas for improvement — including expanding curriculum innovation, increasing staff with doctoral qualifications, and enhancing library resources — but expressed confidence in the program’s overall quality. nuc.edu.ng
Commitment to Growth and Excellence
Located on a sprawling 228-hectare campus in Nde-Ikom, Havilla University (HUNI) is rapidly maturing its Health Sciences portfolio. havillauniversity.edu.ng+1
Its Faculty of Health Sciences already offers a range of programs, including Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Public Health, and of course, Nursing Sciences. havillauniversity.edu.ng
By securing accreditation, the university not only solidifies the legitimacy and academic rigor of its nursing program but also paves the way for future expansion — such as building out midwifery, postgraduate nursing, and specialty health-care tracks.
Regulatory Recognition
Havilla University’s inclusion in the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) approved schools list further underscores its commitment to professional standards. nmcn.gov.ng
This recognition is especially significant because the NMCN is the statutory body responsible for regulating nursing and midwifery education and practice in Nigeria. Wikipedia
Future Prospects & Impact
- Student Attraction & Confidence: The accreditation is likely to attract prospective students who prioritize regulatory compliance and quality assurance in healthcare education.
- Workforce Development: Graduates from the accredited nursing program can now be more competitive for licensure and professional practice, contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare capacity.
- Institutional Reputation: As Havilla University continues to develop, this milestone can enhance its brand as a serious player in health education — not just regionally, but nationally.
Challenges & Areas to Strengthen
According to the NUC report, some key recommendations remain:
- Curriculum Innovation: The panel noted a need for more innovative courses; currently, there are fewer than four such courses. nuc.edu.ng
- Staff Development: Nearly half of the teaching staff lack Ph.D. qualifications; more investment in academic staff training is needed. nuc.edu.ng
- Library Resources: The library currently subscribes to a single active database, limiting research support. nuc.edu.ng
- Funding: The program’s financial resources were flagged as inadequate; sustainable funding strategies will be crucial for long-term growth. nuc.edu.ng
A Turning Point for Havilla University
This achievement marks a turning point for Havilla University. Licensed in April 2021 by the NUC, the university has made notable strides in a short span. havillauniversity.edu.ng
The full accreditation of its Nursing Science program demonstrates that the institution is not just building infrastructure — it’s ensuring academic quality, regulatory compliance, and professional relevance.
As Havilla University continues to expand its health-sciences offerings, the community and prospective students will watch with optimism, confident that they are joining a university that values both excellence and impact.