SURCON Accreditation Team Visits ACU, Commends Surveying and Geoinformatics Programme

The Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) has commended Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, for aligning the curriculum of its Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics with national standards following an accreditation visit to the department.

Leading the delegation, Surveyor Professor Kamorudeen Aleem explained that the visit was part of SURCON's statutory mandate to regulate the surveying profession, including academic training.

He said the accreditation exercise was designed as a peer review aimed at verifying existing standards rather than a fault-finding mission.

"Academics is a vital part of the surveying profession. We need to ensure that those who will join the profession are properly trained," Professor Aleem stated.

He further explained that the team's objective was not to judge the University but to verify what was already in place and ensure that Ajayi Crowther University is producing graduates who meet the standards expected of the surveying profession.

Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, reaffirmed the University's vision of raising "Godly intellectuals" and expressed appreciation for SURCON's collaborative approach to evaluating the programme.

Following the inspection, the accreditation team commended the University for meeting the curriculum standards of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The team also identified areas for improvement that would further enhance the performance of the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics for both staff and students.

Responding to the observations, Professor Oduwole assured the Council that the University would take the necessary steps to address the issues raised during the visit and further strengthen the programme.

The delegation also presented the SURCON Enabling Act to the University, donated a newly published surveying textbook and provided electronic resources to support teaching and research.

The team particularly commended an ACU student, Oluwapelumi Aikomo, for her participation and outstanding presentation at the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) conference held in South Africa.

Other members of the visiting delegation were Surveyor Friday Egbon, Surveyor Adekunle Bakare, Deputy Surveyor General of Oyo State, and Surveyor Martins Oyekola.

Members of the University present during the visit included the Principal Officers, the Dean of Environmental Sciences, Professor Olayinka Gbotoso; Acting Head of the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Dr. Simeon Ogunlade; Director of Academic Planning, Professor Bolanle Ibojo; and other stakeholders.

The visit concluded with both parties expressing confidence in the continued growth and development of the Surveying and Geoinformatics programme at Ajayi Crowther University.