Akwa Ibom State University Marks Major Academic Milestone with Establishment of Faculty of Law. Interested candidates can who as met the requirements now apply by chosing AKSU as their choice of institution during JAMB registration.
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has received official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to establish and commence operations of its Faculty of Law, marking a significant expansion in the institution's academic offerings and reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive tertiary education to students in the region. This will help reduce the extravagant competition students face securing admission into UNIUYO which happens to be the only public institution offering law in Akwa Ibom before now.
The approval, which came after a thorough resource verification visit by a panel of experts from the regulatory body, confirms that the university has met all the necessary requirements in terms of human capital and material resources needed to run a quality law programme. The NUC's assessment was conducted to ensure that AKSU possesses the infrastructure, qualified academic staff, and learning resources essential for delivering legal education that meets national standards.
In a letter dated November 10, 2025, which was made available to journalists, the NUC communicated its decision to the university's Vice-Chancellor. The letter stated: "I am directed to inform the Vice-Chancellor that the Executive Secretary has considered and approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the LL.B Law Programme to be run in the Main Campus of the University with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session."
The regulatory body further emphasized the university's responsibility to maintain and enhance the quality of the programme, noting that "The University is enjoined to provide human and material resources for the development and growth of the approved programmes in line with the provisions of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Nigerian University System."
This approval represents another remarkable achievement for the Acting Vice-Chancellor of AKSU, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership since assuming office just three months ago. Under his stewardship, the university has witnessed unprecedented growth and development across multiple fronts. Professor Akpan has successfully established the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, which houses six new departments, and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, comprising five departments.
Beyond establishing new faculties, the Acting Vice-Chancellor has also made significant strides in programme accreditation and quality assurance. He has facilitated accreditation and resource verification for 30 postgraduate programmes and several undergraduate programmes, ensuring that AKSU maintains its competitive edge in the Nigerian university system. Additionally, Professor Akpan has overseen the establishment of more than 30 institutes and centres across various fields of endeavour, aimed at advancing research activities and attracting funding opportunities to the university.
Responding to the latest development, Dr. Promise Etim, the Director of Mutual Partnership and University Development, commended Professor Akpan for his visionary leadership and strategic approach to institutional development. Dr. Etim particularly praised the Acting Vice-Chancellor for his seamless interpretation and implementation of the Arise Agenda championed by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. He noted that the expansion of the university's academic programmes aligns perfectly with the government's vision of providing more opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths to access quality tertiary education without leaving the state.
Dr. Etim also extended appreciation to Governor Eno for his unwavering support of the university and his commitment to providing the necessary resources that have driven the institution's rapid development. The governor's investment in education continues to yield tangible results, as evidenced by the continuous expansion and improvement of facilities at AKSU.
With the approval of the Faculty of Law, AKSU now boasts eleven faculties, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive university capable of offering diverse academic programmes across multiple disciplines. The new Faculty of Law will host three departments: Private and Property Law, Jurisprudence and International Law, and Commercial and Industrial Law. This structure is designed to provide students with a well-rounded legal education that covers all essential areas of legal practice and scholarship.
The establishment of the Faculty of Law is expected to reduce the burden on students from Akwa Ibom State who previously had to travel to other states to study law. It will also contribute to the development of legal professionals who understand the unique socio-economic and cultural context of the Niger Delta region. Furthermore, the faculty is expected to serve as a hub for legal research and community service, addressing local legal challenges and contributing to the development of jurisprudence in Nigeria.
As AKSU prepares to admit its pioneer students into the LL.B programme for the 2025/2026 academic session, the university administration has assured stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal education in line with NUC requirements and best practices in legal training.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the Faculty of Law at AKSU begin admitting students?
The Faculty of Law will commence operations with the 2025/2026 academic session, as approved by the National Universities Commission. Prospective students interested in studying law at AKSU should watch out for admission announcements from the university for the upcoming academic session. The faculty will offer a full-time LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) programme on the main campus.
2. What departments will be available in the new Faculty of Law?
The Faculty of Law will comprise three specialized departments: Private and Property Law, Jurisprudence and International Law, and Commercial and Industrial Law. This structure ensures that students receive comprehensive legal education covering all major areas of legal practice, from property rights and civil law to international legal frameworks and business law, preparing them for diverse career paths in the legal profession.
3. How many faculties does AKSU now have with this new addition?
With the approval of the Faculty of Law, Akwa Ibom State University now has a total of eleven faculties. Recent additions under the leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Otoabasi Akpan include the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, demonstrating the university's commitment to expanding academic offerings and providing students with diverse educational opportunities across multiple disciplines.

