Maduka University Senate approves change to faculty system

The Senate of Maduka University has approved the transition from a school system to a faculty system, marking a major milestone in the strengthening of the university’s academic structure.

The decision was reached at an emergency Senate meeting held recently, in the Conference Room of the Engineering Block.

The meeting, convened to consider a critical academic restructuring proposal, brought together key members of the university’s leadership, including the Chancellor, Samuel Maduka Onyishi; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo; the Registrar; and other principal officers.

The move reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening its academic structure, reducing contradictions across programmes, and aligning with established conventions in both national and global higher education systems, particularly in professional fields such as Medicine and Nursing.

Maduka University initially adopted the School system at its inception on November 23, 2023, its Founder’s Day. This structure served as a foundational framework during the university’s early developmental phase. However, as the institution’s academic needs and external expectations evolved, the transition to a more conventional and widely recognised academic framework became imperative.

Presenting the proposal at the meeting, university officials outlined several key reasons for the transition, including the need to align with global best practices, enhance academic coordination and governance, strengthen the identity and autonomy of disciplines, and improve the university’s positioning for accreditation with relevant regulatory bodies.

During deliberations, members of the Senate observed that the Faculty system offers a clearer administrative hierarchy, enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, and is more widely recognised within higher education frameworks.

While some concerns were raised about potential transitional challenges, such as administrative adjustments and documentation updates, the Senate expressed confidence that these would be effectively managed through careful planning and phased implementation.

Following extensive deliberations, the Senate unanimously approved the transition, resolving that all existing schools be replaced with faculties across the university, with departments aligned under the appropriate faculty structure. The decision took immediate effect.

Explaining the rationale behind the transition, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, noted that while the school system had functioned effectively, it occasionally created ambiguities in structure, perception, and professional alignment.

“One major reason for this change is convention,” he said. “In certain disciplines like Medicine, there are long-established traditions around structure and identity. The same applies to Nursing, where it is necessary to clearly distinguish university-based training from other forms of nursing education that may be shorter in duration. This change helps us address those concerns while positioning our programmes appropriately,” Ogbulogo said.

He further explained that the Faculty system offers a more organic and clearly defined hierarchy, in which faculties house departments and related academic units, thereby strengthening coordination, leadership, and academic identity. While both systems accommodate departments, the Faculty system provides a broader and more flexible framework that supports future expansion, including the possibility of establishing schools within faculties where necessary.

“It’s not about one unit being superior to another,” he said. added. “It’s about creating a structure that meets the needs of the market, reduces contradictions, and allows us to grow in line with best practices. Universities evolve, and this is part of our learning curve,” he added.

He explained that under the new system, faculties would serve as the primary academic units, with departments and programmes organised within them. This structure is expected to enhance administrative efficiency, deepen academic specialisation, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, while establishing a clear and coherent chain of administration from faculties to departments, lecturers, and ultimately students.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the transition was informed by consultations with academic stakeholders and external regulatory bodies, particularly in preparation for professional accreditation processes, including those related to Nursing Science.

As the apex decision-making body on academic matters, the Senate’s approval renders the transition immediately effective, with implementation already underway.

The university management has affirmed that the transition will not disrupt ongoing academic activities or alter admission processes, as the core academic framework remains intact. Rather, it is expected to provide a clearer and more robust system for students, faculty, and other stakeholders.