The Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies, a Federal Government-owned specialised monotechnic, is set to commence academic activities in September 2025 with pilot campuses located in Lagos, Cross River, Ogbomosho, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
NACUS is a specialised monotechnic developed by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. Its establishment marks a significant step towards institutionalising cultural education across Nigeria.
According to the Executive Secretary of NICO, the Academy is designed to train Nigerians in the evolving dynamics of cultural studies and instil cultural pride nationwide.
He noted that countries such as Japan, China and South Korea have demonstrated how cultural consciousness can drive national development, a lesson Nigeria must urgently embrace to counter the effects of cultural imperialism.
The Academy’s curriculum has already received approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Graduates of NACUS will earn a National Diploma in Cultural Administration and Resource Management or a Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration, both recognised for employment and career advancement within the public and private sectors.
Designed to enhance cultural knowledge in a globally competitive manner, the curriculum includes comparative cultural studies that highlight the richness and uniqueness of Nigerian traditions. The certificates are expected to be officially recognised within the civil service for employment and promotions.
Programmes at NACUS are open to cultural officers, theatre practitioners, hospitality professionals, filmmakers, and international students with an interest in Nigerian culture. The qualifications also provide a pathway for Nigerians to serve as cultural attachés in foreign embassies, a move seen as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy.
Beyond its academic offerings, NACUS is introducing innovative departments, including Cultural Technology and Cultural Pharmacology. The Cultural Technology unit will focus on converting locally sourced materials into usable products through technological innovation. Meanwhile, the Cultural Pharmacology department will explore the potential of Nigeria’s natural flora for medicinal use, including developing botanical gardens and converting plants into capsules and tablets.
The Academy has received notable support from state actors and traditional institutions. The Cross River State Government has donated a facility to serve as the South-South campus, reaffirming its commitment to cultural research and heritage promotion.
In the South-West, the Soun of Ogbomosho, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has also donated a building for use as a campus in Oyo State.
Speaking on the development, Oba Olaoye expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for selecting Ogbomosho as a host community. He described the Academy as a vital hub for cultural studies and national cohesion and pledged continued support for its success
