VC assures NACOE of stronger support
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE), Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.
Prof. Egbewole gave this assurance while receiving the new Provost of NACOE, Colonel Prince Godswill Agbai, who paid him a familiarisation visit at the Vice Chancellor’s Committee Room last Monday (February 23, 2026).
The Vice Chancellor, who described the relationship between the two institutions as mutually beneficial and spanning several decades, noted that the University would continue to nurture the partnership to ensure it grows beyond its current level.
Prof. Egbewole congratulated Colonel Agbai on his posting and commended his predecessors for maintaining cordial ties with the University, adding that the visit signified continuity in the existing relationship.
He explained that both institutions already maintain working engagements through the University Library, accreditation support and executive courses, adding that the area of joint research discussed with the previous NACOE administration would be further strengthened.
While explaining that quality assurance remains central to institutional effectiveness, the Vice Chancellor assured Colonel Agbai that the University’s vibrant Quality Assurance Unit would collaborate with NACOE to strengthen her operations.
He, however, stressed the need for both institutions to explore opportunities for jointly organised conferences, workshops and seminars for the benefit of their staff and students.
While reassuring the Commandant of the University’s readiness to provide technical support during NACOE’s forthcoming programme accreditation, the Vice Chancellor added that the University considers its engagement with the College as part of its community development responsibility and would continue to maintain positive relations.
Speaking earlier, the Provost of NACOE, Colonel Prince Godswill Agbai, said the visit was to formally introduce himself to the University administration and to further strengthen the existing relationship between NACOE and the University of Ilorin.
The Provost appreciated the University for sustaining a long history of cooperation, particularly in the training of officers, and disclosed that the College would soon commence another course for which it draws significant human resources from the University.
While outlining a forward-looking agenda for NACOE, the Commandant expressed the need to deepen collaboration in strategic academic and institutional areas. He noted that the College is deliberately repositioning to strengthen its academic credibility, improve programme delivery and meet evolving regulatory standards.
Colonel Agbai specifically mentioned the College’s need for structured institutional support in quality assurance, describing it as a critical driver of institutional effectiveness and programme sustainability. He expressed confidence that closer engagement with the quality assurance framework of the University would significantly enhance NACOE’s internal processes ahead of its forthcoming accreditation exercise.
The Provost also stressed the importance of staff development and capacity building, noting that exposure to conferences, public lectures, workshops and executive training programmes organised by the University would broaden the professional competence of NACOE personnel.
He, however, sought expanded collaboration in mentorship and institutional guidance, explaining that NACOE is eager to benchmark its systems against established best practices within the University environment. He added that the College is particularly interested in technical backstopping during accreditation, joint academic engagements and increased participation in the knowledge-sharing platforms of the University.
Colonel Agbai expressed optimism that a more structured and strategic partnership between the two institutions would accelerate the growth trajectory of NACOE and deepen its contribution to military teacher education in Nigeria.
Joining the Vice Chancellor to receive the team were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa.
