The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the elevation of several medical-related programs in Nigerian universities from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral status. 

This development, disclosed in a statement by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Franca Elochi Chukwuonwo, was revealed on Wednesday in Abuja.

The programs affected by this upgrade include Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry, which will now be offered as doctoral degrees. 

According to the NUC, this decision was made to integrate more clinical and practical sessions, improve foundational course coverage, enhance clinical skills, and comprehensively address specialty areas within these fields.

This change is expected to advance the quality of medical education in Nigeria, better equipping graduates to meet global standards in their respective professions.