Novena University is the first private university in Delta State located in Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria. Novena University was established to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigeria youths and women who are unable to get admitted for their academic careers into existing tertiary institutions which cannot give opportunities or accommodate a good percentage of those seeking or applying to them each year in Nigeria for admission.
Novena University was founded in 2005. It boasts of several academic and non-academic facilities and services to the students. These include the library and the administrative services.
Novena University is one of the private universities in Nigeria that has been fully and officially accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). It offers different undergraduate programmes that are open to interested candidates.
In 2024, the National Universities Commission (NUC) gave full accreditation status on Nursing Degree program to Novena university. This was signed by the Director of Accreditation, Engr. Abraham Chundusu for the Executive Secretary of the Commission on the letter dated 6th of June, 2024.
In 2022, the University started LL.B Degree programme which covered Civil Law, Common Law, Customary Law, Religious Law and Mixed Legal Systems. The VC explained that "the Law courses curriculum covers new and modern frontiers of legal training that are crucial to national development. Such laws include, but are not limited to Environmental Law, Oil, Gas and Energy, International Trade Laws, Information Technology and Communication/Cyber Security and GenderÃÂ Laws amongst others."
In 2021, Novena University got NUC approval to start programmes in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy. These included other Health Sciences programmes like Nursing, Doctor of Optometry, Medical Laboratory Science, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Public and Community Health which is offered up to PhD specialising in Public Health, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Information Systems, Primary Healthcare and Environmental Health. In another development, A project of â¬100 million from a German Development Bank approved a project of â¬100 million to build 240-bed high standard facilities for the University's Teaching Hospital. The University also offers program in Public and Community Health up to Ph.D level.
Novena University also has the NUC approval and accreditation for the following courses at the postgraduate level: PGD, MSc, MBA, and PhD degrees.
Novena University operates under a governance structure headed by the Chancellor, who serves as the ceremonial head of the institution. The current Chancellor is His Royal Majesty Alfred Papapereye Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass.
The day-to-day academic and administrative operations of the university are overseen by the Vice-Chancellor, who serves as the chief executive and academic officer. As of 2025, the Vice-Chancellor is Professor Godwin Chukwuenweniwe Nduka.
The university is supervised by a Governing Council chaired by the Pro-Chancellor, which is responsible for policy formulation, financial oversight, and strategic development of the institution.
Novena University is organised into several faculties and academic units offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in disciplines such as:
The academic programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory agency responsible for university education in Nigeria.
In 2025, the NUC granted full accreditation to all programmes offered by the university following a comprehensive accreditation exercise.
The College of Medical and Health Sciences at Novena University offers programmes in Medicine, Nursing and other health-related disciplines. The Medicine programme received accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), enabling graduates to be recognised for medical practice subject to professional licensing requirements.
The university also collaborates with the Asaba Specialist Hospital for clinical training and medical education.
The university supports research activities across several disciplines including medicine, public health, social sciences, and information technology. Academic staff and postgraduate students contribute to scholarly publications and participate in national and international conferences.
The institution also promotes interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing developmental challenges in Nigeria and West Africa.
Novena university performs various academic activities.
On the 16th matriculation ceremony of Novena University, which was also the 2020/2021 academic session, 952 students matriculated. During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, addressed the students and stated, "deviant behaviours such as cultism, examination malpractice, alcoholism, abuses, indecent dressing, stealing, fighting, damage to property,ÃÂ are not allowed and we advocate University community policing which makes it possible for all of us to be involved in ensuring our safety."
Novena University had a combined convocation ceremony for the 2018/2019 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, which was its 5th convention. The ceremony took place at the Amai campus located at Ukwuani Local Government Area. It was at this ceremony that the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Public Policy and Strategy. Among the graduands was the Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, who graduated with an award of a Master of Science degree in Accounting.
The Delta State Governor who received the Honorary PhD award donated a 200-capacity hall to the university. This was to improve the infrastructure in the University.
List of courses Novena University offers:
In the 2025 EduRank university rankings, Novena University was ranked:
These rankings evaluate universities based on research output, citation impact, non-academic reputation, and the influence of alumni.
The vision of the university is to advance knowledge through rigorous scholarship and training in fields such as health sciences, law, information technology, energy, engineering and environmental studies. Its mission is to produce globally competitive graduates with strong academic discipline and critical reasoning skills.