Academic Policies Manual

Babcock University is organized into 13 Colleges/Schools spanning Computing, Education & Humanities, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Law & Security Studies, Management Sciences, Science & Technology, the Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences, and — under the Benjamin S. Carson (Snr.) College of Health and Medical Sciences — Allied Health Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Nursing Sciences.

Undergraduate degrees are offered across all Schools, from B.Sc./B.A. honours degrees to professional degrees including the LL.B., B.Eng., B.NSc., B.MLS., B.Agric., and the MBBS.

Degrees conferred

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) & Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.Ed.)
• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) & Bachelor of Science in Education (B.Sc.Ed.)
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS.)
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.)
• Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Manual sections A & B, pp. 5–8.

Babcock University is founded on the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education, emphasizing the harmonious development of the Head, Heart, and Hands. Every programme is designed to produce graduates who are academically competent, morally upright, spiritually grounded, and committed to lives of service and leadership.

Core objectives

• Promote academic excellence that meets and exceeds national and global standards
• Align with NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and professional council regulations (MDCN, NMCN, CLE, ICAN, etc.)
• Uphold faith-based values and integrate Christian principles into curricula and campus life
• Foster holistic development of intellect, character/faith, and practical service
• Ensure global relevance through digital competency and intercultural awareness
• Advance applied and translational research
• Strengthen community impact through servant-leadership

Oversight

The Senate is custodian of this philosophy; the Directorate of Academic Planning (DAP) monitors and reports on compliance, and each College/School ensures its curricula, pedagogy, and assessment reflect it.

Manual section C, pp. 8–10.

Academic governance rests with the University Senate — the supreme academic authority, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor — with policy interpretation and implementation delegated to the Senior Vice-President (Academics)/Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics.

The Senate

• Approves academic regulations, curricula, and policies
• Ratifies vetted academic results for publication
• Ensures compliance with NUC-CCMAS and professional accreditation standards
• Approves new programmes and periodic programme reviews

Directorate of Academic Planning (DAP)

The University's strategic academic planning, monitoring, and quality-assurance hub — reporting to the SVP–Academics. Responsibilities span strategic planning, accreditation coordination, curriculum oversight, examinations oversight, institutional data/research, resource planning, and community impact reporting.

Chain of implementation

• Provosts lead each College and supervise Deans
• Deans lead each School, supervise HoDs, and oversee advising/assessment compliance
• Heads of Department deliver programmes per Senate-approved bulletins, assign faculty, and maintain course files
• The Registry, led by the Registrar, holds custody of admission/registration/academic records and manages transcripts and certification

Manual section D, pp. 10–14.

Admissions are based on merit, transparency, and equity, in full compliance with NUC, JAMB, and relevant professional councils, and reflect the University's Seventh-day Adventist mission.

Requirements

• Three satisfactory letters of recommendation to the Admissions Office
• Original credentials presented for verification at enrolment
• Minimum of five credit-level passes (grade C6 or higher) in WASSCE/GCE O'Level/NECO/NABTEB in one or two sittings, including English Language, and Mathematics where the programme requires it
• An acceptable UTME score, and fulfilment of programme-specific entry requirements approved by Senate
• Further screening by the University even after meeting UTME criteria

Provisional admission

All offers are provisional pending verification of credentials by the Registrar. Applicants awaiting SSCE/NECO results may apply but must submit authenticated results before matriculation, or the provisional offer is automatically withdrawn.

Manual section E, pp. 14–15.

In recognition of the University's ownership, Seventh-day Adventist constituency candidates and children of faculty/staff may be admitted on a concessionary basis, provided they still meet minimum NUC/JAMB requirements. The Senate reviews this category annually to ensure compliance with national standards.

Manual section E, p. 15.

Transfer students

• Same application process as regular applicants, plus an official transcript and a letter of recommendation from the current institution
• Credits evaluated course-by-course; transfer credit counts toward degree requirements but is not computed into GPA
• Minimum acceptable grade: "C" (4-point scale) or 2.0/4.0 or 2.5/5.0, with overall CGPA at least a "C" average
• Maximum 84 credits accepted from two-year (community college/diploma) programmes
• Minimum three years' residency at Babcock required before graduation
• Applicants dismissed from another institution, or currently on probation there, are not eligible

Direct Entry students

Candidates apply through JAMB Direct Entry with OND, HND, NCE, or A-Level equivalents (Cambridge, IJMB, JUPEB). Placement at 100- or 200-level depends on qualification; Direct Entry does not involve course-by-course credit transfer.

Manual section E, pp. 15–16.

International applicants must hold qualifications equivalent to SSCE, submit original transcripts validated by appropriate authorities (with certified English translation where needed), and demonstrate English proficiency.

• Receive an official BU admission letter before travelling to Nigeria
• Provide financial proof and a surety advance deposit
• Obtain valid residence/study visas before arrival
• On arrival, report to the International Students' Adviser with all documentation

Manual section E, pp. 16–17.

Matriculation is compulsory for all newly admitted students and signifies formal entry into the University. Only fully registered students are eligible. At the ceremony, students take the Matriculation Oath, pledging to abide by University regulations. Failure to matriculate without a Senate-approved exemption invalidates a student's admission.

Manual section E, p. 17.

Registration includes clearance of outstanding balances, selection of meal plan/hall (resident students), and course registration per bulletin and advisor guidance. Students not registered by end of week 4 are locked out of UMIS and barred from classes. Course registration is not blocked by tuition payment, but financial clearance is required to print a "Fully Registered" form, sit examinations, and access results.

Manual section F, pp. 18–20.

• Any student who fails to complete registration by end of week 4 must formally apply for deferment, or lose studentship
• Any student who registers but fails to secure financial or exam clearance must also defer, or lose studentship
• A written request goes through the Registrar's Office within the semester in question, approved before the semester examination period begins
• Approved deferred semesters do not count toward the maximum duration of study

Manual section F, pp. 18–19.

• Students dropping or adding courses obtain the appropriate forms from the Registrar's Office
• A student who discontinues school work after registering, without completing official deferment, receives F grades in all registered courses
• The deadline to drop a course is published in the academic calendar — typically four weeks after semester commencement

Manual section F, p. 20.

• Applicant must have completed at least two semesters at Babcock University
• Application is submitted through the current department, liaising with the Registry and Student Support Services
• Once recommended, the originating department completes and signs the Change of Programme Form from the Registrar's Office
• The change takes effect at the beginning of a new session

Manual section F, pp. 20–21.

Every student receives academic guidance, mentorship, and support throughout their programme. Each Course Advisor is assigned a maximum of 30 students, appointed from full-time academic staff; HoDs assign students and monitor advising.

Advisor duties

• Academic guidance on course load, prerequisites, and graduation requirements
• Monitoring performance, identifying at-risk students, verifying registration compliance
• Mentorship on academic integrity, discipline, and welfare
• Record-keeping, periodic reporting to the HoD, and endorsing course forms

Students must meet their advisor at the start of every semester for registration approval and follow their agreed study plan.

Manual section G, pp. 21–22.

Maximum duration is set at 1.5× the minimum, except where a professional council specifies otherwise. Extensions beyond the maximum require Senate approval on documented exceptional grounds.

Manual section H, pp. 22–24.

Student classification is based on total accumulated credits, not years spent at the University. A graduating student has no more than 48 credits remaining to complete within the academic year.

Course numbers 100–699 map to levels 100L–600L. Odd-numbered courses are generally offered in the First Semester, even-numbered in the Second Semester; even numbers ending in "0" may be offered in either. Upper-division graduation requirements must include 300-series courses and above.

Manual section H, pp. 24–26.

• Full-time load: minimum 16 credits, maximum 24 credits per regular semester
• Summer school: maximum 10 credits for non-graduating students; up to 16 credits for graduating students who can complete requirements that summer
• Final-year students with a CGPA of at least 2.50 may exceed 24 credits if it enables on-time graduation
• Students with fewer than 8 credits remaining may register only for those outstanding courses
• Academic probation: 12–16 credits per semester; below 12 requires express Senate approval
• Professionally regulated programmes (Law, MLS, Nursing) may exceed the 24-credit cap only where mandated by programme structure and Senate-approved
• Work–study students: maximum 20 hours/week during sessions, up to 40 hours/week during breaks

One semester credit equals a 50-minute class period per week for 17 weeks, inclusive of examination week.

Manual section H, pp. 26–28.

• Every student must attend at least 75% of scheduled class sessions in each course
• Falling below 75% results in an FA (Failure due to Attendance) grade
• Absence from class for more than three consecutive weeks results in an automatic F
• To sit the final examination, a student must attend at least 75% of classes and sit the mid-semester examination
• An authorized leave of absence does not excuse coursework or examination obligations

Manual section I, p. 28.

• No class may be cancelled without prior notice to the HoD and notification to students
• In cases of illness, emergency, or official assignment, lecturers inform the HoD promptly and arrange a make-up class within the semester
• Faculty must deliver at least 75% of scheduled contact hours per course
• Repeated lateness, missed classes, or neglect of duties attracts disciplinary action

Manual section I, p. 28.

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. is an official break; no classes may be held then. Classes are not permitted on the Sabbath (Saturday) or Sundays for undergraduate regular students. Any exception requires prior written approval to the SVP–Academics through DAP.

Manual section I, pp. 28–29.

• Official permission required from the Registrar, endorsed by the HoD
• Audited courses appear on the transcript as "AU"
• Auditors must attend at least 80% of classes/labs and pay full tuition; exams and formal assessments are optional
• Falling short of attendance results in a "W" (Withdrawn) grade
• To later earn credit for an audited course, the student must formally register and complete all assessments

Manual section I, p. 29.

Babcock operates a two-month Summer Term (May–July), extending academic opportunity beyond the regular two-semester cycle.

• Students intending to enrol in Summer School or a Summer Tour pre-register by mid-second semester
• Maximum load: 10 credits for most students; up to 16 credits for graduating students in their final year or those completing programme requirements
• Students on SIWES may not register for Summer School during their industrial attachment

Manual section I, pp. 29–30.

Assessment enhances learning and intellectual development, benchmarks achievement against peer institutions, diagnoses individual needs, recognizes differences in learning styles, and informs curriculum and teaching improvement.

Governing principles

• Content validity — measures what it is intended to measure
• Predictive validity — indicates potential for future academic/professional success
• Disciplinary suitability — methods fit the field of study
• Reliability — consistency and fairness across assessors, contexts, and time

All assessments are conducted in English except foreign-language courses. Participation-based scores (attendance, discussion) may not exceed 5% of the total course grade, and marks are never assigned for subjective criteria like "attitude" unless tied to measurable outcomes. A 3–4 credit course carries no more than four assessable tasks including the final exam; written-assignment word limits scale from 2,500 words (100L) to 4,000 words (400–600L).

Manual section J, pp. 30–34.

Each course includes a minimum of three distinct CA instruments. The first component is administered within the first two weeks of the semester; CA scores must be uploaded to UMIS no later than one week before final examinations, with all CA activity ending two weeks before exams. Students gain read-only access to their CA scores at least one week before finals, once fully registered and after completing the SRTEI lecturer appraisal. Uploaded scores are vetted by the DAP for grade distribution, weighting compliance, and record completeness; non-compliant results are not presented at the Academic Standards Board.

No more than four periodic tests may be given per semester, and none in the last three weeks of classes. Essays/research assignments are due no later than 8 calendar days before the last day of classes.

Manual section J, pp. 34–37.

The Head of Department ensures all examination questions and assignments are reviewed, vetted, and attested before use. External subject moderators — currently teaching at a recognized university — are appointed for two-year terms to review a representative sample of scripts and assignments.

Students contribute via the Student Rating of Teaching Effectiveness Instrument (SRTEI), administered in at least one subject per teacher per semester, between weeks 10–12, with results shared with the teacher, HoD, and Dean.

Result verification

• The Departmental Committee of Examiners (DCE) convenes within two weeks of exams to review grade distributions and moderate borderline results
• The School Board of Examiners (SBE), constituted by the Dean and comprising all internal examiners, endorses results before Senate approval
• Finalized results are released to students within two weeks of the end of examinations

Students may not sit external examinations during the session without approval from the Course Instructor, HoD, Dean, and Director of Academic Planning, with final approval from the SVP–Academics.

Manual section J, pp. 37–38.

Non-point grades (no effect on GPA): I Incomplete, S Satisfactory, U Unsatisfactory, W Withdrawal, WV Waiver, AU Audit, FA Failure due to unauthorized absence.

CGPA = Σ(Credits × Quality Points) ÷ Σ(Credits), across all courses attempted including repeats.

Babcock does not award "Ordinary Pass" degrees, and these ranges exceed NUC minimums. A GEDS course may be repeated once if failed; a core/elective course may be repeated once if graded D, E, or F — the higher grade counts toward CGPA, but all attempts remain on the transcript. A second repeat requires Senate approval.

Manual section J, pp. 39–41.

Responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests solely with the student, per the Bulletin in force at first registration.

• Complete the minimum required semester credits for the programme
• Minimum "E" grade in GST courses and "C" grade in core courses (higher thresholds may apply for Nursing/Medicine)
• Minimum CGPA of 2.00/5.00
• A single course may count toward only one degree/concentration
• A final-year research project is required of all graduating students
• Second-degree candidates (different nomenclature) must complete at least 50% of required credits beyond the first degree

First Class Honours requires at least 16 credits per semester (except the final one) and at least 50% of the programme completed in residence at Babcock. Academic Honor List A requires a semester GPA of 4.50–5.00 with no grade below C and no incompletes; List B requires 4.00–4.49.

Manual section J, pp. 41–42.

• CGPA below 2.00 at the end of any semester → academic probation with a formal warning letter
• CGPA still below 2.00 the following semester → suspension for low academic performance
• A repeat of that situation, or a semester GPA of 1.00 or below, → withdrawal from the programme or University
• 100-Level students below 2.00 CGPA after both first-year semesters may instead repeat failed courses and/or change programme, without suspension
• Probation credit load: minimum 12, maximum 16 credits per semester
• Reapplication after suspension is possible only after one full academic year, is not automatic, and requires Academic Standards Board review plus documented evidence of improved readiness (including professional academic/psychological remedial services); a second dismissal after readmission is final

Manual section K, pp. 42–44.

Voluntary withdrawal

Completed via official form from the Registrar's Office. Grades for completed, passed courses are retained. Re-admission: within 2 years, under previous academic record; between 2–4 years, subject to the current Bulletin; after 4 years, must apply afresh to 100-level. Leaving without completing official procedures forfeits studentship.

Disciplinary and health-ground withdrawal

Disciplinary withdrawal may be re-admitted only by Senate approval, with conditions stated in the re-admission letter. Health-ground withdrawal follows a University-approved Medical Officer's recommendation, with re-admission subject to a medical certificate of fitness.

Manual section K, pp. 44.

Babcock University is committed to a supportive, inclusive environment for students with disabilities while infrastructural improvements continue.

• Report to Student Support Services for assessment and clearance/recommendation, at the start of the semester or as soon as the disability occurs
• Present the clearance/recommendation to relevant academic and administrative staff for accommodation
• Maintain regular contact with Student Support Services for follow-up throughout the semester

Manual section K, pp. 44–45.

Babcock University maintains a zero-tolerance policy on academic dishonesty, consistent with its faith-based commitment to scholastic and Christian integrity.

Includes, but is not limited to

• Plagiarism — presenting another's ideas or work as one's own
• Cheating — using unauthorized materials during examinations or quizzes
• Collusion — unauthorized collaboration on take-home work
• Copying another student's work during tests or exams
• Communicating with other students during examinations

Offenders receive a failing grade for the exercise and may face suspension or dismissal. All cases are referred to the Senate Panel on Examination and Academic Misconduct (SPEAM), which investigates and recommends penalties to Senate. Students should assume all coursework is individual unless a lecturer explicitly permits collaboration.

Manual section L, pp. 45–46.

1. Present the concern directly to the lecturer involved
2. If unresolved, escalate to the Head of Department
3. If still unresolved, submit a written complaint to the Dean of School
4. Request a formal case review by the Academic Grievance Committee
5. Where applicable, request script remarking for a fee — if upheld, the grade is corrected, the fee refunded, and the lecturer reprimanded in writing; if not upheld, the original grade stands and the student receives a letter of reprimand

Both parties may appear in person or submit written statements; legal representation is not permitted before University committees. The Committee's written decision, issued within three working days, is final and binding.

Manual section L, pp. 46–47.

Established in 1973 by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) under Decree No. 47 of 1971 to build a pool of skilled indigenous manpower. Per NUC's Minimum Academic Standards, students in eligible programmes must undergo a six-month continuous industrial attachment relevant to their field of study — aligning with Babcock's head/heart/hands philosophy of holistic education.

• Only students in programmes accredited for SIWES by ITF and NUC may participate
• Students on SIWES may not register for Summer School during the attachment period

Manual section M, p. 47.

Delivered by the Benjamin S. Carson (Snr.) College of Health and Medical Sciences on a block-based academic structure, distinct from semester-based programmes, in full compliance with Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) regulations.

• Operates under both the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and the MDCN "Red Book" curriculum, tracked by the DAP
• The degree is unclassified — CGPA computation does not apply. Distinctions are awarded in designated subjects (e.g., Anatomy, Surgery, Medicine)
• Progression is determined by block examinations, continuous assessment, and clinical performance against MDCN minimum standards
• Structured clinical exposure across Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, and allied disciplines, supported by MDCN-approved logbooks
• Mandatory transition modules bridging pre-clinical and clinical phases: Ethics in Medicine, Leadership in Healthcare, Research Methods, and Medical Informatics

Manual section N, pp. 48–49.

Delivered by the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) strictly per the national JUPEB calendar (September–August), with a centrally regulated curriculum that admits no internal alteration.

• Results are moderated and released by the JUPEB National Board; no University CGPA equivalent is computed
• Successful candidates receive a JUPEB statement of result qualifying them for Direct Entry into 200-level (or 100-level if performance is sub-par) at Nigerian and partner universities — excluding Medicine, Law, Nursing, and MedLab, which admit at 100-level
• Students must maintain at least 75% class attendance to qualify for examinations
• Misconduct is reported to both the JUPEB Board and the University's disciplinary committee

Manual section N, pp. 49–50.

Provides flexible, accessible, ICT-driven higher education with parity of esteem to on-campus programmes for certification, employability, and professional advancement.

• Courses are authored by subject experts, reviewed by instructional designers, and undergo tripartite review (content validation, instructional design, linguistic clarity)
• Delivery blends synchronous live sessions with asynchronous, self-paced components via an enterprise LMS, including offline kits (CDs, USBs, printed guides)
• Faculty must complete mandatory digital pedagogy and e-assessment training
• Directly supervised by the Vice-Chancellor through the SVP–Academics, with academic oversight from the DAP and Senate; financial operations remain centrally managed

Manual section N, pp. 50–51.

A two-semester academic year delivered primarily on weekends (Fridays and Sundays), for working professionals and adult learners.

• Courses are drawn from approved undergraduate curricula, adapted for part-time pacing, with credit units and outcomes equivalent to regular programmes under NUC BMAS/CCMAS
• Online evening sessions may complement weekend in-person classes
• Assessment follows the institutional 40% CA + 60% final examination structure, emphasizing practical projects and workplace-related assignments
• Faculty must be full-time Babcock staff or approved adjuncts, and must attend orientation workshops to ensure grading parity with regular programmes

Manual section N, p. 52.

All international applicants and candidates identified with English language deficiencies undergo placement testing on admission, based on internal diagnostics and/or external proficiency results.

• Curriculum covers academic writing & grammar, reading comprehension & vocabulary, listening & note-taking, and oral presentation & critical thinking
• Competency-based assessment (quizzes, oral presentations, journals, final exams); a minimum pass mark of 50% is required for certification
• Successful completion earns a Certificate of Language Proficiency endorsed by the Department of Languages and the Registrar
• Only faculty qualified in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or ESL may teach EngProf courses

Manual section N, p. 53.