Course changes in Nigerian universities are potential sources of tension among students, academic administrators, and consumer protection agencies – they impact students’ rights.
While course changes are not uncommon globally, the phenomenon raises questions about students’ rights, institutional accountability, and the broader implications for higher education.
BACKGROUND
Although the National Universities Commission (NUC) replaced the BMAS (Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards) with CCMAS (Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards), each Nigerian university’s senate is permitted to introduce native curriculum up to 30%.
Moreover, the NUC implemented the CCMAs in September 2023. The CCMAS ensures 70% of core curriculum content for each academic programme and the remaining 30% as determined by each university senate.
However, this blog post does not explore programme changes but course changes in Nigerian Universities under the broad stroke of students’ rights during course changes.
Adamu enrolled as an English and literary studies student at a reputable Nigerian university in 2018. He should have graduated in 2022, but the COVID-19 epidemic and ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) delayed him in 2023.
Following the CCMAS, the university insisted on 6 GST (General Studies) courses and other key changes that significantly changed Adamu’s final year courses – in a depressing manner.
PREVALENCE OF COURSE CHANGES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES
Course changes can also occur when a student is reassigned from their initial program of study to another, often within the same institution.
Course changes happen for divergent reasons:
Admission Quotas: Universities may exceed their capacity for specific programs, necessitating redistribution to less competitive courses.
Performance Factors: Universities may ask students who fail to meet specific departmental requirements during their first year to transfer to other programs.
Program Accreditation Issues: Occasionally, courses lose accreditation or face administrative hurdles, leading to student reassignment.
Administrative Errors: Mistakes during the admission process can also result in students’ reassignment to courses they did not apply for.
While universities may not justify courses, they often provoke significant distress and dissatisfaction among students.
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS IN COURSE CHANGES
Students enrolled in Nigerian universities have fundamental rights during course changes.
Students are consumers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018). Nigerian students’ rights during course changes include:
• Right to Information: Universities must communicate the reasons for any changes to a student’s course of study.
• Right to Consent: Course changes should not be imposed without the student’s informed consent.
• Right to Appeal: Students must have access to a transparent appeal process if they disagree with the proposed change.
• Right to Quality Education: Reassignment should not compromise the quality or relevance of students’ education.
• Right to fairness and transparency: in addressing course changes, ensuring that students are not left disadvantaged.
Furthermore, where a university enjoys a right to course changes, students must have similar rights; otherwise, it would amount to unfair business practices, which are unlawful under the consumer protection regime.
Managing Communications Around Course Changes
Universities must adopt effective communication strategies to mitigate the negative impact of course changes on students. Key recommendations include:
Early Notifications: Universities must Inform students about potential changes as soon they identify as challenges, allowing students ample time to prepare.
Clear Explanations: Provide detailed reasons for the changes, supported by data or policy documents.
Support Systems: Offer counselling and academic advisory services to help students transition smoothly.
Feedback Channels: Create avenues for students to express concerns and seek clarification.
Universities can build trust and maintain credibility by prioritising transparency and empathy.
GLOBAL TRENDS IN COURSE CHANGES
Course changes are not unique to Nigerian universities, but their frequency and management vary significantly.
In many developed countries, course changes are:
• Student-Initiated: Students often can switch courses based on interest or career goals.
• Well-regulated: Universities have clear policies and frameworks to guide these transitions.
• Less Frequent: Strong admission systems and resource planning minimise institutional course changes.
For example, universities in the United Kingdom and Canada allow students to change programs within a stipulated period, often up to the first semester, provided they meet the requirements of the new course.
These systems place the student’s autonomy in the decision-making process.
CRITICISMS OF COURSE CHANGES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES
Course changes in Nigerian universities have faced criticism on several fronts:
Student Disempowerment: Forced changes undermine students’ ability to shape their academic and career paths.
Lack of Transparency: Students often complain about insufficient explanations and abrupt notifications.
Emotional and Academic Toll: Adjusting to a new course can be stressful and disrupt academic progress.
Reputational Risks: Persistent course changes can tarnish the university’s image and erode public trust.
CONCLUSION
While course changes in Nigerian universities may be unavoidable in certain circumstances, universities should manage course changes carefully to protect students’ rights and maintain institutional integrity.
By adopting transparent policies, enhancing communication, and learning from global best practices, Nigerian universities can ensure that course changes serve as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of frustration.
As the education landscape evolves, universities must prioritise the student experience, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and academic excellence.
This shift will benefit students and strengthen the reputation of Nigerian higher education on a global scale.
Above all, students aggrieved by a university’s course changes may seek legal redress through education lawyers.
SRJ Legal is an education law firm. We complement our education law practice with fintech and commercial dispute (litigation). At the same time, we provide corporate counsel services to businesses and individuals, including families.
