Iconic Open University is now a fully licensed private university in Nigeria. The institution announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) issued its Full Statutory Licence on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, ending a probationary period that began when it received its first licence in 2023.
In a statement, the university described the change as a formal move from provisional to full status. In its own words, it is now a full private university, authorised to keep offering degree programmes in line with Nigerian laws and regulations.
What the NUC looked at
The licence followed a validation assessment carried out by the NUC in May 2026. According to the university, the review covered its academic systems and programmes, faculty, governance structures, infrastructure, quality assurance mechanisms and its overall capacity to run as an institution. Passing that review cleared the way for the upgrade.
The university said the outcome shows that the Federal Government and regulators are satisfied with its academic standards, governance and approach to widening access to higher education.
Who signed off
The licence was issued through the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC. The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, lead the two bodies.
Management called the licence a major milestone in the school's history and said it reflects the university's focus on regulatory compliance, academic quality and innovation. It also thanked the Federal Government, the NUC, students, lecturers, staff, partners and other stakeholders who have
supported its growth since it was established.
Prospective students who want details about programmes and admissions can check the university's official website or contact its admission and enquiry channels.
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