Federal University Lokoja Inaugurates Professorial Practice Committee to Deepen Industry–Academia Linkages

Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has taken a strategic step toward strengthening industry integration in higher education with the inauguration of a Professorial Practice Committee during its 101st Senate meeting.

The initiative, approved by the University Senate and chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, is designed to formalize engagement between the university and seasoned professionals from industry, whose practical expertise will complement academic instruction, research, and mentorship.

Prof. Ibileye described the move as part of broader institutional reforms aimed at aligning academic output with real-world demands, strengthening innovation capacity, and expanding external partnerships that enhance graduate employability and relevance.

The newly constituted committee is expected to develop a structured framework for the appointment and engagement of Professors of Practice across disciplines. Members include Prof. Makonjuola Osagbemi (Chairman), Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, Prof. A. E. Bala, Prof. Hadi Suberu, Prof. Johnson Fatokun, Prof. Tunde Bewaji, Prof. Funmi Alabi, Prof. Kayode Simoyan, Prof. Maicibi Nok, Prof. Joseph Abel, Prof. Joseph Ehinmodu, and Prof. John Alabi.

During the Senate session, the Vice-Chancellor also highlighted ongoing institutional progress, noting improvements in infrastructure, funding inflows, accreditation outcomes, and international collaborations. He disclosed that the university recently secured ₦1.423 billion in interventions from the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund for laboratory upgrades, classroom furniture, and general institutional development.

He emphasized that all allocated resources must be managed with strict accountability and strategic prioritization to ensure maximum institutional impact.

On academic governance, Prof. Ibileye confirmed that reports from the university’s Vision Plan Cohort Committees have been consolidated into a unified strategic document and forwarded to the Governing Council for review.

He also issued a warning on examination integrity, stressing that staff absenteeism during invigilation duties will henceforth attract sanctions, describing examination supervision as central to academic credibility and institutional trust.

The Senate further received updates on the successful accreditation of eight academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), as well as progress in the College of Health Sciences and preparations for upcoming Nursing accreditation exercises.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced further academic milestones, including progress recorded by pioneer medical students, underscoring the university’s steady expansion in health sciences education.