University of Ibadan VC Says Quality Assurance Critical to Institutional Integrity

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, has described quality assurance as a critical mechanism for protecting the integrity and credibility of university systems.

He made the assertion during a one-day orientation programme organised by the university’s Directorate of Quality Assurance for Quality Assurance Focal Persons across the institution.

Speaking at the event, Kayode Adebowale stated that institutional quality should not be measured solely by the brilliance of students or the popularity of alumni, stressing that the true test of quality lies in the efficiency, accountability, and integrity of institutional processes.

According to him, quality assurance involves evaluating whether university curricula remain relevant, assessment systems are fair, administrative processes are efficient, and institutional accountability mechanisms are functioning effectively.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that modern universities now operate within a highly competitive environment shaped by global rankings, digital transformation, and transnational education, making quality assurance more important than ever.

He identified academic rigour, research innovation, and administrative efficiency as major pillars of institutional excellence, while describing quality assurance as a strategic tool for accountability and continuous improvement rather than a punitive mechanism.

Kayode Adebowale urged the focal persons to see themselves as strategic partners responsible for safeguarding standards, maintaining institutional data integrity, and promoting best practices across the university system.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Directorate of Quality Assurance, O. E. Olubusoye, said quality assurance goes beyond meeting accreditation requirements, noting that it is fundamentally about building a culture of excellence and institutional accountability.

He described the orientation programme as a deliberate effort to reposition quality assurance officers as frontline drivers of the university’s transformation agenda.

The programme also featured lectures by the immediate past Director of Quality Assurance at University of Ibadan, Kolawole O. Falade, who delivered a presentation on rethinking quality assurance in Nigerian universities on behalf of former Vice-Chancellor Olufemi Bamiro.

Another lecture was delivered by the Director of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM Unit at University of Lagos, Olufemi Muibi Saibu, who spoke on operationalising quality assurance committees for greater institutional impact.

The event also featured breakout sessions involving teaching and non-teaching staff, focusing on reporting structures, timelines, operational challenges, and institutional support for quality assurance implementation.