NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (NU), backed by the Sy family’s SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), is expanding its campus network to 14 with planned openings in Cebu and Las Piñas later this yr.
The expansion coincides with NU’s 125th anniversary, SMIC said in an e-mail statement on Thursday.
Positioned inside SM properties, the brand new campuses are expected to extend NU’s total student enrollment to 85,000, in response to SMIC.
“We’ve been expanding with the aim of providing more access to quality education, which is core to the SM Group’s commitment to social good,” NU President and Chief Executive Officer Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr. said.
“For us, giving back means ensuring that excellence in education reaches more Filipinos, no matter their background. The Sy family has all the time aimed for excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure, or sports,” he added.
NU maintains an open admissions policy and invests in assessments to assist senior highschool graduates transition to school.
The university has earned a three-star rating from higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds, with five stars in employability and 4 stars in teaching, social impact, facilities, and governance.
“We’re focused on constructing international credibility for NU. This recognition from our international peers is a testament to our commitment to our students and graduates,” Mr. Ermita said.
NU is targeting nationwide expansion to twenty campuses by 2028.
Its existing locations include the major campus and the Nazareth School in Sampaloc, Manila, in addition to sites in Mall of Asia, Pasay; Fairview, Quezon City; East Ortigas, Pasig; Calamba, Laguna; and Lipa, Batangas.
SM acquired majority ownership of NU in 2008 when the university was battling low enrollment after a 1998 fire destroyed its major constructing.
SMIC operates in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth sectors.
For 2024, SMIC’s net income rose 7% to P82.6 billion as revenue grew 6% to P654.8 billion.
On Thursday, SMIC shares gained 0.25% or P2 to shut at P810. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
