NUC Team Visits Kashim Ibrahim University for Accreditation of Medical Laboratory Science Programme

Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU) has hosted a team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the accreditation of its Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programme.

The visit is part of the Commission's efforts to ensure academic quality and compliance with national standards.

The leader of the delegation, Professor Junaid Surajiddeen of the Federal University of Lafia, said the team was on a special assignment to assess the programme and determine its compliance with accreditation requirements.

Professor Surajiddeen explained that the exercise would be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on academic content, physical facilities, staffing, students' records, classrooms, laboratories, library resources and equipment.

He added that the second phase would assess students' practical training at facilities where the university has Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other arrangements for clinical and laboratory postings.

He said the team would brief the Vice-Chancellor and university management on its findings at the conclusion of the exercise.

The team leader disclosed that the NUC had introduced changes and additional requirements into the accreditation process following consultations with the Director of Accreditation, noting that the updated Programme of Accreditation Requirements (PFR) reflects the Commission's evolving approach to quality assurance.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and management for the warm reception extended to the delegation.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of KIU, Professor Babagana Gutti, welcomed the team and expressed confidence that the exercise would further strengthen the university's Medical Laboratory Science programme.

Professor Gutti noted that the visit was expected in line with the Commission's accreditation timetable and that the current exercise focuses on the university's College of Health Sciences, which comprises six academic programmes.

He disclosed that the university recently underwent professional accreditation exercises for its health-related programmes, with the Medical Laboratory Science assessment held on October 21, followed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria's visit for the MBBS programme on October 22 and 23.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the university commissioned its newly constructed teaching hospital on October 23, describing it as a major investment in medical education, professional training and healthcare delivery.

He urged the accreditation team to inspect the newly commissioned teaching hospital, particularly its Medical Laboratory Science facilities, laboratories and equipment.

Professor Gutti encouraged the assessors to identify areas of strength, highlight shortcomings and recommend practical improvements to enhance the hospital's capacity as a specialist teaching facility and a potential destination for medical tourism.

He emphasised that the university's investment in infrastructure and equipment was not merely to meet accreditation requirements but also to contribute to improving healthcare delivery in the country.

He further stressed the importance of professional collaboration, constructive criticism and peer review in strengthening academic and healthcare institutions, noting that observations from experienced assessors would help the university identify gaps and achieve higher standards.

He assured the delegation that management was prepared to act on the recommendations and that any identified issues that could be addressed during the visit would receive prompt attention.