In a landmark move to preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), a specialized monotechnic that will commence academic sessions in September 2025 with pilot campuses in Lagos, Cross River, Ogbomoso (Oyo State), and Abuja.
Operated under the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, this groundbreaking institution represents the first federally-funded higher education center dedicated exclusively to advancing Nigeria’s cultural capital through accredited diploma programs and innovative research in cultural technology and pharmacology.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for selecting the ancient Yoruba town as one of the academy’s pioneer locations, calling it “a transformative investment in Nigeria’s cultural future.
KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW INSTITUTION
✔ Programs Offered:
- National Diploma in Cultural Administration & Resource Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration
- Innovative courses like Cultural Technology and Cultural Pharmacology
✔ Approval & Accreditation:
- Curriculum approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
- Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Certificates recognized for employment and career progression
✔ Strategic Focus:
- Combat cultural imperialism by promoting Nigeria’s indigenous heritage
- Emulate the cultural-driven development models of Japan, China, and Korea
- Boost local production to reduce dependence on foreign exchange
WHY THIS MATTERS
🔹 First-of-its-kind institution dedicated solely to cultural studies in Nigeria
🔹 Strengthens Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, enabling graduates to serve as cultural officers in embassies
🔹 Supports FG’s agenda to harness culture for national development
🔹 Creates opportunities for artists, filmmakers, hospitality workers, and foreign students
GOVERNMENT & TRADITIONAL RULERS’ SUPPORT
✅ Cross River State Govt donated a building for the South-South campus
✅ Soun of Ogbomoso provided a facility for the South-West campus
✅ Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy fully backing the initiative
WHAT’S NEXT?
📌 September 2025: Academic session begins
📌 Expansion plans: More campuses expected across Nigeria
📌 Cultural research & innovation: Focus on converting natural resources into economic value
