The National Universities Commission has licensed Brigham Young University Pathway Worldwide to operate in Nigeria, clearing the way for thousands of Nigerians to pursue accredited online degree programmes without leaving the country.

The BYU Pathway President, Brian K. Ashton, disclosed the development during a visit to the Lagos Global Education Centre in Ikeja, where he addressed church members, students and officials at a devotional gathering.

"We are grateful to the NUC for recognising and approving BYU. We have been on the matter for about six years. We hope to serve the youths and people of Nigeria to acquire university education. We currently run eight courses at Bachelor's degree level; they gave us approval for six, as the other two are approved by other bodies," Ashton stated.

The approval follows a series of meetings between the institution and the commission, including a 2025 visit by BYU Pathway officials that signalled progress toward formal recognition. The accreditation also opens the door for graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps, a significant development for students seeking full integration into Nigeria's academic and professional landscape.

Elder Christian Chigbundu, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, described the licensing as a major opportunity for Nigerian youths both within and outside the church. "The fees are affordable. It is about what the church wants to give the world, not about money," he said.

Elder Victor Ukorebi added that the programme offered access to globally competitive education at an accessible cost. "I can assure you that the quality of education being offered at the university is comparable to anything anyone could get globally," he stated.

BYU Pathway Worldwide, an affiliate of BYU Idaho in the United States, operates entirely online and currently offers eight Bachelor's degree level programmes. The institution also provides students with scholarships and laptop support to facilitate participation in its fully digital learning environment.

The NUC licence positions the institution as a recognised higher education provider in Nigeria, broadening access to flexible, internationally affiliated qualifications for students across the country.