Thomas Adewumi University Hosts NUC Team for Distance and eLearning Prevalidation Exercise

The National Universities Commission (NUC) visited Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Kwara State, on Monday, August 18, 2025, to conduct a prevalidation exercise for the University’s Centre for Distance and eLearning (CeDeL) programme.

The NUC delegation, led by Prof. Bajide S. Afolabi, included Dr. Funmilayo Morebise, Dr. Gabriel Ligar, and Mr. Aliyu Dansabo. The visit focused on assessing the University’s readiness for the commencement of distance learning, particularly in the Faculty of Nursing Sciences.

At the opening meeting, the Registrar, Mr. Kolawole Fisoye, introduced the University Management team, Deans, the Director of CeDeL, Dr. Abiodun Owolabi, and members of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca O. Oladipo, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical & Health Sciences, Prof. Emenike Irokanulo, welcomed the NUC team and expressed appreciation for their visit. He highlighted the significance of the CeDeL programme as a response to global demand for flexible learning. According to him, the initiative is designed not only to expand access to quality education but also to integrate both theoretical and practical training for well-rounded graduates.

Prof. Irokanulo further emphasized the University’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in its learning models, stressing that the CeDeL programme will play a crucial role in advancing societal development.

In his response, the Team Lead, Prof. Bajide S. Afolabi, commended the University for its hospitality and for the remarkable progress recorded within just four years of establishment. He reiterated that the NUC’s role is to evaluate, advise, and guide institutions toward compliance with national standards.

Also speaking, Prof. Joel A. Afolayan of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences expressed gratitude to the NUC for its consistent support since the Faculty’s inception and noted the steady growth recorded over time.

The NUC team later inspected the Centre’s facilities, including Physical Infrastructure, Staffing, Utilities, Training and Capacity Building, the Learning Management System (LMS), Studio, and Course Materials. The exercise concluded with a debriefing session where feedback and recommendations were shared.

The prevalidation exercise was adjudged successful, marking a major milestone toward the approval of the Nursing Sciences programme under the Centre for Distance and eLearning. As the University awaits formal approval, Thomas Adewumi University reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact.