By Tajudeen Babamale
The National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation teams to the University of Ilorin have expressed satisfaction with the quality of the Primary Education Studies programme in the Department of Adult and Primary Education, the Educational Technology programme; as well as the Estate Management programme in the University.
During their separate exit visits to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, last Tuesday (October 14, 2025) at the Vice Chancellor’s Committee Room, the teams commended the University management for its sustained commitment to academic excellence and for investing resources to ensure the production of highly skilled graduates.
Speaking on behalf of the team for the Primary Education Studies, Prof. Esther Oduolowu commended the Department for integrating entrepreneurship training into its curriculum. She noted that the inclusion of such skills would not only enhance the students’ teaching careers but also equip them to address the nation’s economic challenges.
Prof. Oduolowu further stated that sampled students demonstrated clear evidence of competency and practical skills acquired through the programme. She added that the students attested to the University’s conducive learning environment, which has greatly contributed to their academic development. According to her, the objectives and philosophy of the programme align with the NUC’s Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS).
For the Educational Technology programme, the accreditation team led by Prof. Odu Oji Kennedy observed that the Department possesses functional and modern instructional equipment that support effective teaching and learning. He added that, while the acquisition of additional equipment would further enhance the programme, the Department’s overall performance was impressive and encouraging.
Prof. Kennedy also commended the Department’s innovative course offerings and the wealth of experience among its academic staff, describing the entire accreditation exercise as a successful and rewarding outing for his team and the University.
On its part, the team for the Estate Management programme, led by Prof. Victoria A. Bello, commended the institution’s management for its firm commitment to producing qualified and globally competitive graduates.
Prof. Bello noted that the Department’s curriculum is robust and up-to-date, while students’ enrolment meets the requirements prescribed in the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS), Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) guidelines.
While highlighting that course evaluations were of a good standard, the accreditation panel team leader reported that students of the Department demonstrated a commendable blend of hard and soft skills necessary for professional practice.
According to her, the staff–student ratio complies with NUC guidelines, the Departmental library is adequately equipped with relevant and current learning resources, and funding for the programme is considered sufficient for its smooth operation.
Prof. Bello, however, noted that the essence of the accreditation exercise was not merely to assess compliance, but to ensure that graduates of the University are globally competitive. She urged the institution to sustain its positive strides and address all identified areas for improvement to further enhance programme quality.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, expressed appreciation to the NUC accreditation teams for their objective and constructive assessment of the University’s programmes.
The Vice Chancellor, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU), described the accreditation exercise as a vital component of the University’s commitment to continuous improvement, noting that such evaluations provide valuable feedback that helps the institution strengthen its academic delivery and operational efficiency. He added that the University views accreditation not as a fault-finding mission but as a collaborative process aimed at enhancing programme quality and sustaining academic excellence.
Prof. Egbewole assured the teams that the University would engage closely with the concerned Departments and Faculties to address all observations and effect necessary corrections in the identified areas.
He also reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance, saying that the ultimate goal is to produce graduates who are well-rounded, competent, and capable of representing the University of Ilorin positively anywhere in the world. Prof. Egbewole added that graduates who are properly trained and adequately equipped will continue to make the University proud through their outstanding performance, innovation, and contributions to the development of the society.
