National University (NU), under the Sy family’s SM Group of Companies, has officially launched its first-ever campus in Mindanao, located in Davao City. The NU Davao campus is set to open its doors to students this July, marking a significant expansion of the university’s presence in the country.
Hans T. Sy, chairperson of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, said the initiative continues the legacy of the late Henry Sy, who championed education through National University. He emphasized the goal of bringing quality yet affordable education closer to students in Mindanao, giving more learners access to higher education opportunities. While he declined to disclose the total investment, he noted that part of the development cost is subsidized through the adjacent mall operations.
Mall-integrated, functional campus design
The NU Davao campus is located within a seven-story building beside SM City Davao in Ecoland. It occupies the 5th to 7th floors, with a total floor area of 28,640.78 square meters. The lower floors form part of the mall’s expansion and parking facilities, reflecting a mixed-use design that helps support operational costs.
Sy described the campus as simple yet fully functional, stressing that the focus is on practicality and student needs rather than luxury. Facilities are designed to be clean, efficient, and serviceable for everyday academic use.
Modern facilities and Mindanao expansion plans
NU Davao Executive Director Edwin J. Loma said the campus can accommodate up to 18,000 students, with an initial target of at least 1,500 enrollees in its first year. Around 200 faculty members and administrators, along with 100 non-teaching staff, are expected upon opening.
The campus features 62 air-conditioned classrooms with 65-inch TVs, a FIBA-sized basketball court, PE rooms, chapel, prayer room, clinic with medical and dental facilities, and a learning resource center housing over 5,000 books. It also has multimedia, computer rooms, and laboratories.
Programs include Accountancy, Architecture, Computer Science, Medical Technology, Psychology, and Tourism Management, while Engineering and Nursing are pending approval. NU is also planning expansion in Mindanao, with future campuses eyed in General Santos City and Cagayan de Oro City.
