National University (Philippines)

National University (Filipino: Pamantasang Pambansa) commonly known as NU, colloquially National U, is a private non–sectarian university located in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. The founder of the university, Mariano F. Jhocson Sr., established the institution on August 1, 1900, as Colegio Filipino in Quiapo, Manila. It is considered as the first private nonsectarian and coeducational institution in the Philippines and also, the first university to use English as its medium of instruction, replacing Spanish.

With its main campus in Sampaloc, Manila, the university has been expanding by setting secondary campuses. Other campuses of NU includes: NU Nazareth School, NU Laguna (Sports Academy), NU Fairview, NU Mall of Asia, NU Baliwag, NU Dasmariñas, NU Lipa, NU Clark, and NU Bacolod, among others. Additionally, the institution leased a part of the lot and buildings of the former College of the Holy Spirit Manila in Mendiola, Manila and will be known as the upcoming NU Manila College of Business and Accountancy, Mendiola.

Approved by the Department of Public Instruction on June 17, 1921, the university received its university status, changing the name from National Academy to National University. Senator Camilo Osías, two-time Senate President of the Philippines, served as the first University President (1921-1936). The current university president is Renato C. Ermita, Jr. (2008–present) and its current majority owner is the SM Group.

NU is one of the pioneer members of National Collegiate Athletic Association- Philippines (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), and also a pioneer member of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU). Its international affiliations and memberships include the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAHIL) and the International Association of Universities (IAU).