Iconic Open University has officially been granted a Full Statutory License by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), today in Abuja, Tuesday, 22 September 2026. This makes the University a full-fledged private university in Nigeria.
This landmark development marks a defining moment in the history of the University and represents the successful completion of its probationary period, which commenced in 2023.
The approval follows the successful outcome of a rigorous licence validation assessment conducted by the National Universities Commission in May 2026, during which the University’s academic systems, programmes, faculty, governance structures, infrastructure, quality assurance mechanisms, and overall institutional capacity were assessed.
The transition from a Provisional Licence to a Full Statutory Licence reflects the satisfaction of the Federal Government and the regulatory authorities with the University’s continued development, academic standards, institutional systems, innovative approaches, and commitment to expanding access to quality higher education in Nigeria.
The Full Statutory Licence was issued jointly by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, respectively.
This milestone formally establishes Iconic Open University as a fully licensed private university in Nigeria, authorised to continue providing university education and awarding degrees in accordance with applicable Nigerian laws, regulations, and requirements.
Achieving this milestone just three years after the University’s initial licensing in 2023 represents accelerated growth in the University’s institutional development and demonstrates its continued commitment to regulatory compliance, academic quality, innovation, and accessible higher education.
The Management of Iconic Open University appreciates the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Universities Commission, members of the University community, students, faculty, staff, partners, and all stakeholders whose contributions have supported this journey.
