NUC Panel Visits FUOTUOKE's Postgraduate Engineering Departments for Accreditation

The Federal University Otuoke’s (FUO) Departments of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum and Gas Engineering at the Postgraduate School welcomed a resource verification panel from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

This visit aimed to assess the readiness of these departments to commence their postgraduate programmes.

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Key Points of the Visit:

• • Assessment Goals: Professor Umar Garba Mohammed from the University of Abuja, leading the NUC panel, stated the mission was to verify facilities, academic staff competence, library and e-resources, and curriculum compliance with NUC regulations.
  • University’s Assurance: Vice Chancellor Professor Teddy Charles Adias welcomed the panel, emphasizing the unique challenges of a new university like FUO and assuring that internal quality assurance measures were in place.
  • Exit Report Findings:
    • • Inspections covered classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and workshops.
      • Equipment for Petroleum and Gas Engineering was examined.
      • Staff files were reviewed, and interactions with staff took place.
      • Recommendations were made for the commencement of the programmes.

• • Specific Recommendations:
    • • Chemical Engineering shared facilities need upgrades.
      • Fire extinguishers, smart boards in lecture theatres, and larger laboratory spaces were advised.
      • Additional staffs are required for the Petroleum Engineering programme.

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Panel Members and Observations:

• • • Department of Chemical Engineering: NUC representatives Mrs. Tarila Ayafa and Mr. Emem Essien.
    • Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering: Chaired by Professor A. M. Evuti, with representatives Mrs. Martha Etok and Mr. Dennis I. Kingsford.

Professor Evuti noted moderate satisfaction with the Petroleum and Gas Engineering department’s readiness but emphasized the need for more full-time lecturers and a postgraduate reading room.

University’s Response:

Vice Chancellor Professor Adias expressed gratitude for the panel’s observations and recommendations, committing to implement necessary improvements. He highlighted the importance of meeting NUC’s requirements and the availability of academic positions to enhance the departments with advanced technology and smart solutions.

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Presence of Key University Staff:

Several principal staff members of FUO were present during the visit, including:

• • • Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Chinemerem Onyema
    • Acting Registrar, Mr. Kenneth Ebibou Sorandein
    • Acting University Librarian, Dr. Gboyega Oyeniran
    • Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Benjamin O. Okaba
    • Director of Academic Planning, Professor Ebibiete Offor
    • Heads of the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum and Gas Engineering
    • Special Assistant to the VC, Mrs. Andabi Amangi-Edomo
    • Public Relations Officer, Ms. Mercy Ekott.