The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted a provisional licence to Brigham Young University (BYU)-Pathway Worldwide, authorising the Utah-based online higher education institution to operate officially in Nigeria. The approval, announced on Tuesday, July 28, in Ikeja, Lagos, ends a six-year application process and opens the door for tens of thousands of Nigerian students to earn internationally recognised American degrees without leaving the country.
Six-Year Approval Process Culminates in NUC Licence
Brian K. Ashton, President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, confirmed the development during a media briefing in Lagos. He expressed gratitude to the NUC for recognising the institution after years of engagement. "We have been on the matter for about six years. We hope to serve the youths and people of Nigeria to acquire university education," Ashton said.
The institution currently runs eight bachelor's degree programmes. Six of these received direct NUC approval, while the remaining two are accredited through partner institutions. BYU-Pathway Worldwide, headquartered in Idaho, United States, operates alongside Ensign College to deliver certificates and degrees entirely online.
Affordable American Degrees for Nigerian Students
Church leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns BYU-Pathway Worldwide, highlighted the affordability and accessibility of the programmes. Elder Christian Chigbundu noted that the licence represents a significant opportunity for Nigerian youths, regardless of religious background. "When we were growing up in the church, such opportunities were not available. This institution offers education that helps people grow academically and personally," he said.
Elder Victor Ukorebi revealed that students can complete an internationally recognised American degree for approximately N420,000, a deliberately low cost to prioritise access over profit. "I can assure you that the quality of education being offered is comparable to what anyone can obtain globally. It may not be a conventional university, but it provides quality American education without leaving Nigeria," Ukorebi stated.
Nigeria Leads Enrolment Across Africa West Area
BYU-Pathway Worldwide currently serves about 27,000 students across the Africa West Area, with Nigerian students accounting for roughly 20,000 of that total. Church leaders added that thousands of students in the region have completed certificate programmes, over 1,000 have earned associate degrees, and more than 400 have graduated with bachelor's degrees. The NUC certification is expected to remove a key barrier and allow significantly more Nigerians to enrol.
During the announcement event, the Latter-day Saints held a devotional, a religious gathering featuring speeches and music focused on Jesus Christ.
Related Development: KWASU Gets Approval for 24 New Programmes
In a separate but related development, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, received NUC approval to launch 24 new academic programmes from the 2026/2027 session. The approval covers 14 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate programmes.
