Affiliation: Osun Poly now to issue UNILORIN degree certificate

Jun 4, 2024 - 14:23

Affiliation: Osun Poly now to issue UNILORIN degree certificate

The University of Ilorin and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to introduce ten degree programmes at the 31-year old Polytechnic.

The ten degree programmes include Mathematics and Computer Science from the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Mass Communication from the Faculty of Communication and Information Science, Accounting and Business Administration from the Faculty of Management Sciences, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, as well as Microbiology and Food Science Technology from the Faculty of Agriculture.

The MoU, which was signed last Tuesday (May 28, 2024) at the Vice Chancellor’s office was witnessed by Principal Officers and Council members of both institutions.

In his address at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, articulated the shared vision of both institutions to foster academic excellence and ensure the holistic development of students.

Prof. Egbewole, who restated the University’s global reputation for integrity, said it is committed to upholding rigorous academic standards in the certificate-awarding processes. He said, “We also want to plead that as a University, we don’t cut corners, and we hope you will also go by the rules as regards the processes leading to the award of our certificates”.

While acknowledging the rich institutional heritage of Osun State Polytechnic, the Vice Chancellor commended the Polytechnic for its commitment to meeting and surpassing the stringent criteria set by the University Centre for Affiliated Institutions.

He also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Osun State Polytechnic for demonstrating exemplary leadership by leading the team to the signing of the MoU, adding that his coming highlighted the importance he attached to the MoU signing ceremony.

Prof. Egbewole expressed hope that the partnership between UNILORIN and Osun State Polytechnic would flourish, benefit students and contribute to the advancement of education in Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Osun State Polytechnic, Hon. Diran Ayanbeku, expressed optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the most sought-after University in Nigeria signifies a significant turning point for the institution, as it heralded an expansion of its academic offerings.

Hon. Ayanbeku said with the introduction of the initial ten programmes, he was hopeful that in the near future, there will be addition of more programmes, driven by the exceptional performance and patronage garnered by these initial programmes.

In his own remarks, the Rector of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Mr Kehinde Adeyemi Alabi, echoed the sentiments of the institution’s Council Chairman to anticipate the expansion of such opportunities to include more programmes in the near future.

The Rector said he was grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Senate and Management of the University of Ilorin for the opportunity to establish affiliation with the Most Outstanding University in Nigeria on ten programmes. He noted that the affiliation would foster collaboration between both institutions and elevate the standards of education in the polytechnic.

Mr Adeyemi said, “Today marks a historic milestone, solidifying the close academic relationship between our two institutions”.

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Affiliated Institutions, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ahmad Shehu AbdusSalam, announced significant progress in the Centre’s efforts to foster academic collaborations across Nigeria. He said the Centre recently established Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various institutions and is actively working on affiliating diploma, degree, and postgraduate programmes with multiple institutions across Kwara, Lagos, and other states.

Prof. AbdusSalam revealed that the Centre is currently in the process of affiliating diploma programmes with six institutions, degree programmes with four institutions, and postgraduate programmes with others, with several more under consideration.

Commenting on the next stage of the MoU signed with the Osun State Polytechnic, the Director noted that “In the next stage of the affiliation process, applications for degree programmes will be submitted to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for approval. This entails a verification visit from a team representing the NUC to the affiliated institutions”.

He further clarified that as per NUC regulations, thirty percent of the staff involved in teaching activities at the affiliated institutions will be sourced from the parent institution to ensure that academic quality and standards are maintained.