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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider SM's National University expanding by 20 campuses nationwide

SM's National University expanding by 20 campuses nationwide

Published Jul 12, 2024 05:05 am

The National University (NU), a member of the SM Group, is aggressively expanding its presence and bring its services closer to students in the provinces by establishing 20 campuses across the country by 2028. 

Parent company SM Investments Corporation said this initiative underscores NU’s commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable education to young Filipinos nationwide.

Since the NU-SM partnership in 2008, NU has revitalized its mission to democratize education – expanding access to quality and affordable education, starting with campuses in Metro Manila and reaching key provinces like Laguna, Batangas, and now Bacolod. 

NU strategically places campuses near residential and commercial centers. This proximity ensures convenience for students and fosters a community-focused educational environment.

By opening campuses in key cities like Bacolod, Las Pinas, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Naga, NU contributes significantly to local economies and community development. 

This expansion does not only enhance educational opportunities but also attracts skilled faculty members who are passionate about nurturing talent in their home provinces.

To date, there are 11 NU campuses — the main campus and the Nazareth School in Sampaloc, Manila, NU MOA in Pasay, NU Fairview in Quezon City, NU East Ortigas in Pasig, NU Laguna in Calamba, NU Lipa in Batangas, NU Dasmarinas in Cavite, NU Baliwag in Bulacan, and NU Clark in Pampanga and NU Bacolod. 

NU Bacolod will open in August this year while NU Las Pinas and Cebu campuses will open next year. Campuses in Pangasinan, Isabela, Davao, Iloilo, and Naga are set to open in the next three years. 

NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr. said NU is opening campuses in areas where the institution can add value and positively contribute to its community.

He noted that, “in Bacolod, we hope to provide quality, updated, innovative education to the young Bacolodnons - both in content and in instructional method that reflect the NU standard of quality education. This is an education that is sustainable. It continuously improves, and is never stagnant.”

“As we expand, we have a lot of faculty members who are, in a sense, returning residents to their hometown. 

“We understand that there is the growing cost of education. Meaning, it’s one thing to pay the tuition fee, and another thing to cover the expenses of going to school including having to spend for a dorm, for food, throughout the whole four years;” said Dr. Ermita. He added that NU hopes to bring education closer to the students’ homes.

The university’s expansion is rooted in the philosophy of Dynamic Filipinism, emphasizing updated and innovative educational practices that prepare students for success in diverse fields. 

Dr. Ermita highlights the relevance of NU’s programs in disciplines such as engineering, accounting, information technology, tourism, nursing, and other health sciences, tailored to meet regional demands and industry needs.

He aid the programs that NU offers are those that are not only within the NU scope of expertise and experience, but also the ones that are relevant in their respective industries. 

In 2008, SM acquired majority ownership of NU back when it was struggling to get enrollees since the 1998 fire that razed the main building of the university. The year before the partnership with SM, NU’s student population was only at 1,800. 

Today NU has 55,000 students with the university aiming to boost the student population to 100,000 by 2027. The opening of NU Bacolod and NU East Ortigas in August is expected to contribute to the growing student population.
 

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