Iconic Open University has officially received a Full Statutory Licence from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Universities Commission (NUC), following the approval granted in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The development formally places the institution among Nigeria’s fully licensed private universities.
The milestone marks a significant point in the University’s development and brings to a close its probationary period, which began following its initial licensing in 2023.
The approval came after the University successfully underwent a rigorous licence validation assessment conducted by the National Universities Commission in May 2026. The assessment examined the institution’s academic systems, programmes, faculty, governance structures, infrastructure, quality assurance mechanisms and overall institutional capacity.
The movement from a Provisional Licence to a Full Statutory Licence indicates that the Federal Government and relevant regulatory authorities found the University’s continued development, academic standards, institutional systems, innovative practices and commitment to expanding access to quality higher education satisfactory.
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.
The approval formally recognises Iconic Open University as a fully licensed private university in Nigeria, authorised to continue offering university education and awarding degrees in line with applicable Nigerian laws, regulations and requirements.
The achievement, coming only three years after the University obtained its initial licence in 2023, highlights the institution’s rapid institutional development and its stated 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.
