By The Federal Government is set to launch a specialized monotechnic dedicated to cultural studies, named the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), with its inaugural academic session scheduled to begin in September 2025. This significant initiative will establish pilot campuses across four key locations: Lagos, Cross River State, Ogbomosho in Oyo State, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, aiming to provide accessible cultural education nationwide.
Spearheaded by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), the newly established monotechnic is designed to equip Nigerian citizens with a comprehensive understanding of cultural dynamics. Its core mission is to instill a deep sense of cultural education, thereby fostering a greater sense of national cultural pride and identity among the populace. This specialized institution marks a crucial step in the government’s efforts to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
According to a statement released by Caleb Nor, the Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary of NICO, the curriculum for the Academy has already received the crucial approval of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Furthermore, NACUS has been officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, solidifying its legal standing. Graduates of the monotechnic will be awarded National Diplomas in Cultural Administration Resource Management and Postgraduate Diplomas in Cultural Administration, certifications that will be recognized for employment and career advancement within the civil service and other sectors.
The curriculum of the Academy is innovatively structured to cultivate and enhance cultural knowledge through a competitive approach. It will incorporate the study of comparative cultures, emphasizing that Nigeria’s cultural heritage is on par with any other in the world. This recognition of professional certification within the arts and culture sector across all states of the federation is a significant development, providing specialized qualifications acknowledged for promotion and employment within governmental structures.
The National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma programs offered by NACUS are open to a wide range of individuals, including cultural officers, theatre practitioners, hospitality sector workers, filmmakers, and even international students with a keen interest in Nigerian culture. This inclusive approach aims to broaden the reach of cultural education and foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
In a forward-thinking move, the Academy will also introduce unique courses such as Cultural Technology and Cultural Pharmacology. These departments are strategically designed to contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by fostering local innovation and reducing reliance on foreign exchange. The Cultural Technology department will focus on identifying and utilizing Nigeria’s natural resources for practical human applications through technological advancements, while the Cultural Pharmacology department will explore the potential of indigenous flora in botanical gardens for the creation of medicinal capsules and tablets.
Demonstrating strong support for the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage through education, the Cross River State Government has generously donated a suitable building to serve as the South-South campus of the Academy. This act underscores the state’s dedication to enriching cultural research, preservation, and promotion within its borders. Similarly, the Soun of Ogbomosho, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has also donated a building to establish a campus for the Academy in the South-West region, emphasizing his commitment to the success of NACUS as a hub for cultural studies and research that will promote cultural values and foster national unity and understanding.
