By The Metro 
Sam Maris University (SMU), Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, has secured a full operational licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC), marking a significant milestone in its development and reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence.
The licence was granted five months after a five-member NUC assessment team, led by its Director, Dr. Esther Mmeka, visited the University to review the provisional licence granted on May 15, 2023.
The assessment, conducted from April 13 to 16, 2026, covered the University’s academic and administrative operations, infrastructure, student enrolment and compliance with NUC regulatory requirements.
During an exit briefing with the University Management, the assessment team commended the institution for its compliance with admission regulations and the prompt commencement of academic and administrative activities following the grant of its provisional licence.
The team also acknowledged the University’s rapid growth in student enrolment, cordial relationship with its host community, availability of infrastructure, ongoing development projects and progress in institutional administration.
Receiving the full operational licence on Monday from the NUC Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Mrs. Justina Emeriole, the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Sam T. Ologunorisa, SAN, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the assessment.
Ologunorisa reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining high academic standards and fulfilling its mission of producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to compete globally.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Ayodeji Gbore, described the granting of the full operational licence as a significant achievement and a validation of the University’s vision and commitment to academic excellence.
He expressed appreciation to the NUC for its guidance and regulatory oversight, as well as to the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, students, parents and the people of Supare-Akoko for their contributions to the University’s growth and development.
Gbore assured stakeholders that the University would continue to strengthen its academic programmes, infrastructure and institutional capacity to provide quality education and a conducive learning environment.
He encouraged parents and guardians seeking quality university education for their children and wards to consider Sam Maris University, noting that admission into the University for the 2026/2027 academic session was ongoing.
The grant of the full operational licence represents another important step in the University’s development and reinforces its determination to consolidate its achievements in teaching, research and community service.